Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GF1

Below is a in depth assessment of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is very well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and GF1 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was unveiled 3 years later than the GF1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the GF1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic GF1 has specifications of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the GF1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and GF1 is 85 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The visual here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and GF1.

All in all, the two cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS contains the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF more challenging. The newer XZ-2 iHS will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.