Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX20V

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX20V, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HX20V (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was released 6 months after the HX20V which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the XZ-2 iHS grades versus the HX20V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features exterior measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX20V in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the HX20V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and HX20V is 85 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and HX20V.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX20V will provide more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively.