Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FH8

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FH8, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and FH8 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FH8 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 12 months later than the FH8 so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the FH8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Panasonic FH8 has proportions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FH8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FH8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and FH8 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Usually, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and FH8.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FH8 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS provides an advantage in sensor innovation.