Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-M5 was announced 7 months prior to the XZ-2 iHS so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-M5 matches up against the XZ-2 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M5 has outside measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-M5 against the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and XZ-2 iHS is 81 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M5 will offer you more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.