Casio EX-S12 vs Olympus XZ-1

Its time to examine more closely at the Casio EX-S12 versus Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Casio and Olympus. The resolution of the EX-S12 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is very similar but the EX-S12 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") possess different sensor sizes.

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The EX-S12 was announced 24 months before the XZ-1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the EX-S12 grades against the XZ-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Casio Exilim EX-S12 & Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Casio EX-S12 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Casio EX-S12 has outside measurements of 95mm x 60mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 111 grams (0.24 lbs) while 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).

Compare the Casio EX-S12 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the EX-S12 compared to the XZ-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the EX-S12 and XZ-1 is 96 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the EX-S12 and XZ-1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The EX-S12 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Casio EX-S12 will deliver more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged EX-S12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.