Nikon S100 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Here, we will be matching up the Nikon S100 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the S100 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the S100 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The S100 was announced 16 months before the XZ-2 iHS which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S100 scores versus the XZ-2 iHS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S100 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S100 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon S100 has got outer dimensions of 99mm x 65mm x 18mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S100 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the S100 and the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S100 and XZ-2 iHS is 94 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The image below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S100 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S100 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S100 will offer greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged S100 is going to be behind in sensor technology.