Nikon AW120 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's look closer at the Nikon AW120 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the AW120 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the AW120 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have totally different sensor size.

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The AW120 was revealed 14 months after the XZ-2 iHS which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the AW120 grades vs the XZ-2 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix AW120 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon AW120 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon AW120 provides outside measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.0") along with a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon AW120 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the AW120 compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the AW120 and XZ-2 iHS is 92 and 85 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The pic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the AW120 and XZ-2 iHS.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The AW120 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon AW120 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The fresher AW120 will have a benefit in sensor tech.