Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GM5

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GM5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GM5 (16MP) is very close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GM5 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-16 iHS was revealed 20 months before the GM5 making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-16 iHS scores against the GM5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM5 has proportions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GM5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-16 iHS vs the GM5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and GM5 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specifications. The picture underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and GM5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras provide the same MP but not the same sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS provides the smaller sensor which should make achieving bokeh more difficult. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.