Canon S95 vs Olympus XZ-1

In this article, we are comparing the Canon S95 vs Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the S95 (10MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is fairly close but the S95 (1/1.7") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The S95 was announced 2 months earlier than the XZ-1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the S95 grades against the XZ-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S95 and Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon S95 Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon S95 offers external dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Canon S95 vs Olympus XZ-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the S95 against the XZ-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the S95 and XZ-1 is 93 and 88 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S95 and XZ-1.

As you can see, both of the cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The S95 uses the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF easier.