Leica X-U vs Olympus E-330

Below is a detailed assessment of the Leica X-U versus Olympus E-330, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Leica and Olympus. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the X-U (16MP) and E-330 (7MP) and the X-U (APS-C) and E-330 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The X-U was released 9 years later than the E-330 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Leica X-U being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Olympus E-330 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the X-U grades versus the E-330 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica X-U and Olympus E-330. The complete galleries are provided at Leica X-U Gallery and Olympus E-330 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Leica X-U has got exterior measurements of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") having a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) while the Olympus E-330 has proportions of 140mm x 87mm x 72mm (5.5" x 3.4" x 2.8") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check the Leica X-U versus Olympus E-330 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the X-U against the E-330.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-U and E-330 is 64 and 65 respectively.

Typically, its hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the X-U and E-330.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X-U featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Leica X-U will provide more detail as a result of its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer X-U provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.