Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ47

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic FZ47, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the FZ47 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ47 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was manufactured 18 months later than the FZ47 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the FZ47 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic FZ47 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about 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) and the Panasonic FZ47 has proportions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic FZ47 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the FZ47.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ47 is 85 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The photograph below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ47.

As you have seen, both cameras have the same MP but different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS contains the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The more modern XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.