Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ100

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ100, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is pretty similar but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ100 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was announced 2 years after the FZ100 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the FZ100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has sizing of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the FZ100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ100 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The picture below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ100.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FZ100 will offer you extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger XZ-2 iHS provides a benefit in sensor innovation.