Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony a3500

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony a3500, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and a3500 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and a3500 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was unveiled 15 months earlier than the a3500 making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the XZ-2 iHS grades vs the a3500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Alpha a3500. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony a3500 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got exterior measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony a3500 has proportions of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony a3500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the a3500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and a3500 is 85 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The image here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-2 iHS and a3500.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony a3500 will give extra detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.