Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax S1

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax S1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is fairly close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and S1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 22 months later than the S1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and S1 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and S1.

Clearly, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax S1 will result in extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern XZ-2 iHS will have an edge in sensor technology.