Canon SX210 IS vs Olympus XZ-1

In this article, we will be evaluating the Canon SX210 IS vs Olympus XZ-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the SX210 IS (14MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SX210 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") enjoy different sensor size.

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The SX210 IS was revealed 7 months before the XZ-1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SX210 IS grades versus the XZ-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX210 IS Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX210 IS enjoys outside measurements of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 220 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-1 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Canon SX210 IS vs Olympus XZ-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the SX210 IS versus the XZ-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX210 IS and XZ-1 is 90 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes simply by going through technical specs. The picture below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX210 IS and XZ-1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX210 IS with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Canon SX210 IS will produce extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged SX210 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.