Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sigma DP1

Its time to look closer at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sigma DP1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and DP1 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was released 4 years after the DP1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the DP1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sigma DP1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sigma DP1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got exterior dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Sigma DP1 has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") accompanied by a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sigma DP1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the DP1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and DP1 is 85 and 87 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and DP1.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 7MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.