Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Lets examine more in depth at the Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SX160 IS was revealed 7 months later than the XZ-2 iHS so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a short overview of how the SX160 IS scores vs the XZ-2 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX160 IS comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SX160 IS and the XZ-2 iHS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and XZ-2 iHS is 86 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX160 IS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX160 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Canon SX160 IS will produce extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern SX160 IS should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.