Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX30V

Following is a complete assessment of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony HX30V, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HX30V (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was announced 10 months after the HX30V and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the HX30V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS provides physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony HX30V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the HX30V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and HX30V is 85 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by researching a spec sheet. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and HX30V.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-2 iHS using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony HX30V will render greater detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.