Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic LZ20

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic LZ20, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and LZ20 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 6 months later than the LZ20 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the LZ20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys exterior 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 LZ20 has dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the LZ20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and LZ20 is 85 and 71 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The visual below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and LZ20.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will offer you more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively.