Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony QX1

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony QX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Lens-style by companies Olympus and Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and QX1 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 20 months before the QX1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the QX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS provides outer measurements 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 Sony QX1 has dimensions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") and a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony QX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the QX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and QX1 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and QX1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony QX1 will render greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.