Canon S90 vs Olympus XZ-1

Below, we will be analyzing the Canon S90 versus Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S90 (10MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the S90 (1/1.7") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S90 was announced 9 months prior to the XZ-1 and they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the S90 grades vs the XZ-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot S90 & Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are provided at Canon S90 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon S90 has physical measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Canon S90 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the S90 and the XZ-1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S90 and XZ-1 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Often, its hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S90 and XZ-1.

Clearly, both the cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The S90 has the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The more aged S90 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.