Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GH5

Below, we are comparing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic GH5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GH5 (20MP) is very well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GH5 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor size.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 5 years prior to the GH5 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the GH5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GH5 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features physical dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GH5 has sizing of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") having a weight of 725 grams (1.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic GH5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the GH5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-16 iHS and GH5 is 89 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and GH5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH5 will give you greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.