Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP5

Lets look more closely at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FP5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FP5 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 24 months later than the FP5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the FP5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys exterior measurements 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 FP5 has proportions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FP5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FP5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FP5 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and FP5.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP5 will give more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer XZ-2 iHS will have a benefit in sensor innovation.