Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ70

Below, we will be contrasting the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ70, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and FZ70 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and FZ70 (1/2.3") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was manufactured 7 months prior to the FZ70 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the FZ70 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys exterior 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) while the Panasonic FZ70 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic FZ70 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the FZ70.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and FZ70 is 85 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The image below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and FZ70.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FZ70 will give extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.