Canon SX230 HS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Below, we are reviewing the Canon SX230 HS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX230 HS (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is fairly similar but the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizing.

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The SX230 HS was unveiled 17 months earlier than the XZ-2 iHS making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the SX230 HS grades versus the XZ-2 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are available at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX230 HS provides outside dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX230 HS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX230 HS against the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX230 HS and XZ-2 iHS is 91 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The visual here will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have got the exact same resolution but different sensor sizing. The SX230 HS uses the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF trickier. The older SX230 HS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.