Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony W570

The following is a thorough review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony W570, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and W570 (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and W570 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-2 iHS was launched 24 months after the W570 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony W570 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the XZ-2 iHS scores vs the W570 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony W570 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you 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") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) whilst the Sony W570 has measurements of 91mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 116 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony W570 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the W570.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and W570 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and W570.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony W570 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent XZ-2 iHS is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.