Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP3

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FP3 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 2 years later than the FP3 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the FP3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outer dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the FP3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and FP3 is 85 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The graphic below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and FP3.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FP3 will give you greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.