Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-600 UZ versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the SP-600 UZ (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is very well matched but the SP-600 UZ (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor size.

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The SP-600 UZ was revealed 3 years before the XZ-2 iHS and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SP-600 UZ matches up vs the XZ-2 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-600 UZ & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-600 UZ Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-600 UZ has got physical dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") along with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-600 UZ versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-600 UZ compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-600 UZ and XZ-2 iHS is 69 and 85 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-600 UZ and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The SP-600 UZ uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh more difficult. The older SP-600 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.