Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX1

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony HX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HX1 (1/2.4") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The XZ-2 iHS was announced 3 years later than the HX1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the HX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers physical measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony HX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and HX1 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and HX1.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS having a bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will give more detail with its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.