Olympus SZ-10 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-10 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is pretty close but the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") possess totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-10 was announced 22 months before the XZ-2 iHS which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ-10 grades against the XZ-2 iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-10 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-10 features physical measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-10 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-10 vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-10 and XZ-2 iHS is 90 and 85 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-10 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus SZ-10 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older SZ-10 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.