Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Samsung NX5

The following is a detailed review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Samsung NX5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is fairly well matched but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and NX5 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-2 iHS was announced 2 years after the NX5 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the XZ-2 iHS grades versus the NX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has physical 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 NX5 has proportions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the NX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and NX5 is 85 and 80 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and NX5.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Samsung NX5 will resolve more detail with its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.