Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs Panasonic ZS50

Let's look much closer at the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZS50, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and ZS50 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SZ-16 iHS was announced 24 months before the ZS50 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SZ-16 iHS matches up against the ZS50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-16 iHS has got outside measurements 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 ZS50 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-16 iHS versus Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-16 iHS against the ZS50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-16 iHS and ZS50 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-16 iHS and ZS50.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-16 iHS to give extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ-16 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.