Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ40

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ40, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ40 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 2 years after the FZ40 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the FZ40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with physical 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 FZ40 has specifications of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic FZ40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the FZ40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ40 is 85 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The picture here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ40.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ40 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.