Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Ricoh CX3

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh CX3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Ricoh. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the CX3 (10MP) is pretty similar but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and CX3 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 2 years later than the CX3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the CX3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh CX3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys external dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Ricoh CX3 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Ricoh CX3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the CX3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and CX3 is 85 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements just by reading specs. The photograph here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and CX3.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS provides an edge in sensor tech.