Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic GX8

Below is a detailed review of the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic GX8, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the GX8 (20MP) is relatively close but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and GX8 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-16 iHS was unveiled 3 years before the GX8 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the GX8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GX8 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got external measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic GX8 has measurements of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") along with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic GX8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS compared to the GX8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and GX8 is 89 and 74 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and GX8.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ-16 iHS having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GX8 will render greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.