Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony A77

Here, we are looking at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony A77, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and A77 (24MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and A77 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-2 iHS was launched 14 months later than the A77 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A77 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the A77 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Sony SLT-A77. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Sony A77 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys physical dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Sony A77 has sizing of 143mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 732 grams (1.61 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony A77 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the A77.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and A77 is 85 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and A77.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A77 will show more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS will have an edge in sensor tech.