Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic G2

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic G2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the G2 (12MP) is relatively similar but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and G2 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor size.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 2 years after the G2 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the XZ-2 iHS scores vs the G2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic G2 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has external measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G2 has dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic G2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the G2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and G2 is 85 and 72 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The pic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and G2.

As you can tell, the two cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS contains the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging. The newer XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.