Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony RX1R II

Here is a extended review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony RX1R II, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and RX1R II (42MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and RX1R II (Full frame) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was unveiled 3 years prior to the RX1R II and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the RX1R II when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony RX1R II Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony RX1R II has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 72mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 507 grams (1.12 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony RX1R II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the RX1R II.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and RX1R II is 85 and 78 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The photograph below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and RX1R II.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX1R II will deliver extra detail having an extra 30MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.