Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Samsung NX1000

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1000, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and NX1000 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and NX1000 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 9 months after the NX1000 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the XZ-2 iHS grades against the NX1000 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1000. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Samsung NX1000 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features exterior 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 NX1000 has dimensions of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX1000 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the NX1000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and NX1000 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specs. The image underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and NX1000.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX1000 will render greater detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern XZ-2 iHS will have a benefit in sensor tech.