Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and FZ1000 II (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ1000 II (1") feature totally different sensor size.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 7 years before the FZ1000 II and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the FZ1000 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 II Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys outer measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ1000 II has specifications of 136mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") with a weight of 808 grams (1.78 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ1000 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FZ1000 II.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ1000 II is 85 and 55 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking technical specs. The visual here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ1000 II.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FZ1000 II will resolve greater detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.