Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS5

Following is a detailed overview of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and ZS5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 2 years after the ZS5 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS provides 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) whilst the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Panasonic ZS5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the ZS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and ZS5 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and ZS5.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS offers the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The more recent XZ-2 iHS provides an advantage in sensor technology.