Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic G100

The following is a in depth review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic G100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and G100 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and G100 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 8 years earlier than the G100 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G100 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the G100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-G100. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic G100 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers exterior measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic G100 has measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 54mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 2.1") having a weight of 352 grams (0.78 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic G100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the G100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and G100 is 85 and 81 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading through technical specs. The image underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and G100.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic G100 will give greater detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.