Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Samsung HZ15W

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung HZ15W, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the HZ15W (12MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HZ15W (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years later than the HZ15W and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the HZ15W when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung HZ15W. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers outside 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) while the Samsung HZ15W has sizing of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung HZ15W in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the HZ15W.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and HZ15W is 85 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specifications. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and HZ15W.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS contains the bigger sensor which will make getting bokeh easier. The younger XZ-2 iHS is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.