Canon A490 vs Olympus XZ-1

Below, we will be looking at the Canon A490 versus Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the A490 (10MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the A490 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The A490 was manufactured 12 months earlier than the XZ-1 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the A490 grades versus the XZ-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A490 & Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A490 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon A490 provides external dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 31mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-1 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Canon A490 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the A490 against the XZ-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A490 and XZ-1 is 93 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking specs. The visual here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the A490 and XZ-1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The A490 provides the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The older A490 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.