Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FX78

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FX78, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FX78 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was launched 24 months after the FX78 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the FX78 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX78 has specifications of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FX78 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FX78.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FX78 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and FX78.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS features the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The newer XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage in sensor tech.