Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS100

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and ZS100 (1") boast different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 4 years before the ZS100 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the ZS100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features physical dimensions 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 ZS100 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the ZS100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and ZS100 is 85 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and ZS100.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.