Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic LZ20

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic LZ20, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is very close and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 6 months later than the LZ20 so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the LZ20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic LZ20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the LZ20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and LZ20 is 89 and 71 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and LZ20.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical MP so you can expect comparable quality of pictures but you need to factor the launch date of the cameras into account.