Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony QX100

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony QX100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Lens-style by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and QX100 (20MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and QX100 (1") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 8 months prior to the QX100 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the XZ-2 iHS scores vs the QX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS comes with physical measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Sony QX100 has proportions of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") along with a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony QX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS versus the QX100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and QX100 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and QX100.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony QX100 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.