Canon SX150 IS vs Olympus XZ-1

Following is a detailed review of the Canon SX150 IS vs Olympus XZ-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Olympus. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX150 IS (14MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SX150 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") boast different sensor measurements.

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The SX150 IS was launched 16 months after the XZ-1 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SX150 IS grades against the XZ-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX150 IS Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX150 IS has outer dimensions of 113mm x 73mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.8") and a weight of 306 grams (0.67 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Canon SX150 IS vs Olympus XZ-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SX150 IS versus the XZ-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX150 IS and XZ-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX150 IS and XZ-1.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX150 IS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Canon SX150 IS will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher SX150 IS provides an advantage in sensor innovation.