Canon S90 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we will be reviewing the Canon S90 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S90 (10MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (1/1.7").

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The S90 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the XZ-2 iHS and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the S90 matches up against the XZ-2 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S90 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon S90 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon S90 comes with outside dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") and a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check the Canon S90 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the S90 vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S90 and XZ-2 iHS is 92 and 85 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S90 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus XZ-2 iHS to deliver extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older S90 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.