Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic GX7

Below is a thorough analysis of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GX7, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and GX7 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and GX7 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 10 months prior to the GX7 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple overview of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the GX7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GX7 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. 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 GX7 has specifications of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic GX7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the GX7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and GX7 is 85 and 81 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The photograph here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and GX7.

To sum up, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GX7 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.