Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic ZS45

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic ZS45, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is fairly close and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was launched 24 months before the ZS45 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS scores vs the ZS45 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS enjoys outside dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS45 has sizing of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic ZS45 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-16 iHS and the ZS45.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and ZS45 is 89 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes only by researching specs. The pic underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-16 iHS and ZS45.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of pictures though you should really factor the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged SZ-16 iHS will be behind with regard to sensor tech.