Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS80

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS80, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and ZS80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 6 years before the ZS80 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades versus the ZS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys outside measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the ZS80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and ZS80 is 85 and 86 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The pic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and ZS80.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS80 will show extra detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.