Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX10V

Following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX10V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and HX10V (18MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HX10V (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 10 months after the HX10V and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the HX10V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony HX10V Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got exterior 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) whilst the Sony HX10V has dimensions of 105mm x 60mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX10V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the HX10V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and HX10V is 85 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The image here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and HX10V.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX10V will resolve extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.