Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Samsung NX1

The following is a complete overview of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and NX1 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 21 months before the NX1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the NX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Samsung NX1 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS provides outer measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX1 has measurements of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the NX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and NX1 is 85 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by looking at specifications. The pic below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and NX1.

To sum up, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Samsung NX1 will resolve greater detail using its extra 16MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.