Olympus E-510 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Olympus. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have different sensor size.

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The E-510 was launched 6 years earlier than the XZ-2 iHS and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-510 matches up vs the XZ-2 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 enjoys exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-510 and the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and XZ-2 iHS is 69 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing specifications. The graphic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and XZ-2 iHS.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-510 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.