Olympus SZ-11 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus SZ-11 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is very well matched but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-11 was released 17 months prior to the XZ-2 iHS making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SZ-11 grades vs the XZ-2 iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-11 has got exterior measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while 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).

Look at the Olympus SZ-11 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-11 against the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and XZ-2 iHS is 89 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-11 and XZ-2 iHS.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-11 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SZ-11 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The older SZ-11 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.