Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax W90

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Pentax W90, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the W90 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and W90 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was released 2 years later than the W90 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the W90 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Pentax Optio W90. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Pentax W90 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys exterior dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Pentax W90 has specifications of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Pentax W90 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the W90.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and W90 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by checking out specs. The photograph below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and W90.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS contains the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler. The more recent XZ-2 iHS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.