Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ300

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ300, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ300 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years before the FZ300 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the FZ300 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers external measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ300 has proportions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") and a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ300 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the FZ300.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ300 is 85 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The image below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ300.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS offers the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged XZ-2 iHS will be behind with regard to sensor tech.