Leica M9 vs Olympus XZ-1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Leica M9 versus Olympus XZ-1, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Leica and Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the M9 (Full frame) and XZ-1 (1/1.63") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The M9 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the XZ-1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the M9 matches up versus the XZ-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M9 & Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica M9 enjoys physical dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-1 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Leica M9 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the M9 compared to the XZ-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the M9 and XZ-1 is 79 and 88 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M9 and XZ-1.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M9 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Leica M9 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.