Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ150

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ150, former being 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 FZ150 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ150 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was announced 9 months later than the FZ150 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the FZ150 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with outer 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) whilst the Panasonic FZ150 has specifications of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ150 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the FZ150.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ150 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The graphic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ150.

To sum up, both cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS has got the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler. The more recent XZ-2 iHS will have a benefit in sensor innovation.