Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax RS1500

Following is a detailed overview of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax RS1500, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is relatively close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and RS1500 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 22 months after the RS1500 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the RS1500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax Optio RS1500. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has exterior 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 Pentax RS1500 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax RS1500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the RS1500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and RS1500 is 85 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The pic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and RS1500.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax RS1500 will render greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger XZ-2 iHS provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.