Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic ZS100

Lets look more closely at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic ZS100, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-16 iHS was manufactured 4 years earlier than the ZS100 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up vs the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-16 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS100 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic ZS100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the ZS100.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and ZS100 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing specs. The image underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and ZS100.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-16 iHS because of its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.