Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Panasonic ZS8

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic ZS8, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and ZS8 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 18 months later than the ZS8 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up against the ZS8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Panasonic ZS8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the ZS8.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and ZS8 is 85 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and ZS8.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS8 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS provides an advantage in sensor tech.