Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FS42

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FS42, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is fairly close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FS42 (1/2.5") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years later than the FS42 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the XZ-2 iHS scores vs the FS42 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys outer 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) and the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FS42 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the FS42.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FS42 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and FS42.

Plainly, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS using its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.