Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic SZ8, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and SZ8 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was unveiled 12 months earlier than the SZ8 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a concise overview of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the SZ8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS provides physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic SZ8 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the SZ8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and SZ8.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will offer you extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.