Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic G7

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic G7, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and G7 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and G7 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years before the G7 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G7 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the G7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic G7 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers physical measurements 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 G7 has measurements of 125mm x 86mm x 77mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic G7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the G7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and G7 is 85 and 71 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by reviewing technical specs. The visual below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and G7.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic G7 will offer extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.