Canon SX230 HS vs Olympus XZ-1

Following is a extended overview of the Canon SX230 HS and Olympus XZ-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the SX230 HS (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively close but the SX230 HS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SX230 HS was brought out 6 months after the XZ-1 which means that they are of a similar age. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SX230 HS matches up against the XZ-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS & Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX230 HS Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon SX230 HS comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 223 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).

Check out the Canon SX230 HS and Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SX230 HS versus the XZ-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX230 HS and XZ-1 is 91 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The picture below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX230 HS and XZ-1.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX230 HS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Canon SX230 HS will result in more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively.