Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus XZ-1

Following is a extended review of the Canon SX160 IS versus Olympus XZ-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX160 IS was released 2 years after the XZ-1 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX160 IS scores against the XZ-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX160 IS enjoys outer dimensions of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX160 IS versus Olympus XZ-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SX160 IS versus the XZ-1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX160 IS and XZ-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX160 IS and XZ-1.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX160 IS because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Canon SX160 IS will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The newer SX160 IS will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.