Olympus VH-515 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus VH-515 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both produced by Olympus. The resolution of the VH-515 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is fairly comparable but the VH-515 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The VH-515 was introduced 3 months earlier than the XZ-2 iHS and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the VH-515 scores against the XZ-2 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VH-515 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VH-515 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus VH-515 offers external measurements of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

See the Olympus VH-515 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the VH-515 vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VH-515 and XZ-2 iHS is 95 and 85 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by seeing technical specs. The graphic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VH-515 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The VH-515 offers the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging.