Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony WX500

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony WX500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WX500 (18MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WX500 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was unveiled 3 years prior to the WX500 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS grades versus the WX500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outside measurements 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 WX500 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony WX500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the WX500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and WX500 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing a spec sheet. The picture here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and WX500.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Sony WX500 will provide more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.