Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic LS5

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic LS5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the LS5 (14MP) is very well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 18 months later than the LS5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the LS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic LS5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS features external 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 LS5 has specifications of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic LS5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS versus the LS5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-16 iHS and LS5 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The visual below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-16 iHS and LS5.

All in all, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to resolve more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent SZ-16 iHS will have a benefit in sensor tech.