Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax X-5

Following is a extended review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Pentax X-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and X-5 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and X-5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 4 months after the X-5 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the X-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax X-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax X-5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got outer measurements 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 Pentax X-5 has sizing of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Pentax X-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the X-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and X-5 is 85 and 65 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing specs. The image below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and X-5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax X-5 will provide more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively.