Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-620 UZ (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SP-620 UZ (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SP-620 UZ was revealed 11 months earlier than the XZ-2 iHS which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the SP-620 UZ scores versus the XZ-2 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-620 UZ and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-620 UZ Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-620 UZ has got outside dimensions of 110mm x 74mm x 74mm (4.3" x 2.9" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-620 UZ versus the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-620 UZ and XZ-2 iHS is 78 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The photograph below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-620 UZ and XZ-2 iHS.

To sum up, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-620 UZ having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus SP-620 UZ will give you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SP-620 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.