Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS45

The following is a thorough overview of the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS45, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and ZS45 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The TG-2 iHS was announced 18 months earlier than the ZS45 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the TG-2 iHS matches up against the ZS45 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-2 iHS features outer dimensions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS45 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the TG-2 iHS against the ZS45.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-2 iHS and ZS45 is 91 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-2 iHS and ZS45.

As you can see, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS45 to offer greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged TG-2 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.