Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FP8

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FP8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FP8 (12MP) is relatively close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FP8 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years after the FP8 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the FP8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FP8 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers exterior 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 FP8 has specifications of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FP8 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the FP8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and FP8 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by looking through technical specs. The image below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and FP8.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS uses the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The younger XZ-2 iHS will have a benefit in sensor innovation.