Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P1 was announced 4 years earlier than the XZ-2 iHS which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-P1 matches up versus the XZ-2 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 has outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-P1 vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and XZ-2 iHS is 86 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The pic below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and XZ-2 iHS.

All in all, both of these cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-P1 uses the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.