Nikon S3300 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we are evaluating the Nikon S3300 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the S3300 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the S3300 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The S3300 was brought out 10 months prior to the XZ-2 iHS so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the S3300 scores versus the XZ-2 iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S3300 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon S3300 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Nikon S3300 comes with outer dimensions of 95mm x 58mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 128 grams (0.28 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).

Check the Nikon S3300 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the S3300 and the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S3300 and XZ-2 iHS is 96 and 85 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3300 and XZ-2 iHS.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S3300 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S3300 will offer you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older S3300 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.