Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and SZ1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 12 months later than the SZ1 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the SZ1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers outside 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) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the SZ1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and SZ1 is 85 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing technical specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and SZ1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ1 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The younger XZ-2 iHS will have a benefit in sensor tech.