Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GH4

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GH4, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and GH4 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and GH4 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 13 months prior to the GH4 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the GH4 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outer dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic GH4 has sizing of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GH4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the GH4.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and GH4 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by going over specs. The visual here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and GH4.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH4 will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.