Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FH5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FH5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and FH5 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FH5 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 24 months after the FH5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the FH5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with 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) whilst the Panasonic FH5 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FH5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FH5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FH5 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and FH5.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH5 will resolve more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.