Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GM5

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GM5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and GM5 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and GM5 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 21 months earlier than the GM5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the GM5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GM5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with exterior dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Panasonic GM5 has dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GM5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the GM5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and GM5 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Often, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The visual here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and GM5.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic GM5 will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.