Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX1

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-16 iHS was released 11 months after the GX1 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS grades versus the GX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys exterior dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GX1 has sizing of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the GX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and GX1 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and GX1.

As you can see, the two cameras have the same megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The SZ-16 iHS features the tinier sensor which is going to make getting bokeh tougher. The fresher SZ-16 iHS should have an edge in sensor innovation.