Canon A2100 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's take a more detailed look at the Canon A2100 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the A2100 IS (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is pretty similar but the A2100 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The A2100 IS was manufactured 4 years before the XZ-2 iHS and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the A2100 IS scores against the XZ-2 iHS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot A2100 IS & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A2100 IS Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon A2100 IS provides outside dimensions of 102mm x 64mm x 32mm (4.0" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check out the Canon A2100 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the A2100 IS compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A2100 IS and XZ-2 iHS is 92 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A2100 IS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can tell, the two cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The A2100 IS offers the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier. The older A2100 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.