Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP2

Let's look closer at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic FP2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FP2 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 2 years after the FP2 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the FP2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features external dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Panasonic FP2 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic FP2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the FP2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FP2 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and FP2.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FP2 will resolve greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The younger XZ-2 iHS should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.