Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8
85 Imaging
37 Features
67 Overall
49
![Olympus XZ-2 iHS front Olympus XZ-2 iHS front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS-front.jpg)
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8/Panasonic-SZ8-front.jpg)
94 Imaging
40 Features
31 Overall
36
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-112mm (F1.8-2.5) lens
- 346g - 113 x 65 x 48mm
- Launched December 2012
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
- 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
- Released January 2014
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Overview
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.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
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.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Gallery
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.
Reasons to pick Olympus XZ-2 iHS over the Panasonic SZ8
XZ-2 iHS | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+460k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Olympus XZ-2 iHS
SZ8 | XZ-2 iHS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2014 | ![]() | December 2012 | Newer by 12 months |
Common features in the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic SZ8
XZ-2 iHS | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen |
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Physical Comparison
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.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
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.
![Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 size comparison Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.
![Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 top view buttons comparison Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Sensor Comparison
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.
![Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 sensor size comparison Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-XZ-2-iHS-vs-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic SZ8 Specifications
Olympus XZ-2 iHS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Olympus | Panasonic |
Model type | Olympus XZ-2 iHS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2012-12-18 | 2014-01-06 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Venus Engine |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 7.44 x 5.58mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 41.5mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3968 x 2976 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 1600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-112mm (4.0x) | 24-288mm (12.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/1.8-2.5 | f/3.1-6.3 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | - |
Crop factor | 4.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of display | 920k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | - | TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60 secs | 8 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 8.60 m (ISO 800) | 5.20 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Wireless | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 346g (0.76 lb) | 159g (0.35 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 113 x 65 x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 49 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.4 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.3 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 216 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 340 images | 200 images |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | Li-90B | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Price at release | $450 | $275 |