Olympus E-30 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Below is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-30 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-30 was manufactured 4 years prior to the XZ-2 iHS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-30 scores against the XZ-2 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-30 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-30 has got physical measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") along with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and 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).

Take a look at the Olympus E-30 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-30 compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and XZ-2 iHS is 60 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-30 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-30 features the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-30 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.