Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX99

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX99, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) offer different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was introduced 6 years earlier than the HX99 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up vs the HX99 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony HX99 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the HX99.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and HX99 is 85 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and HX99.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX99 will result in greater detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.