Leica X1 vs Olympus E-420

Here is a complete review of the Leica X1 and Olympus E-420, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Leica and Olympus. The image resolution of the X1 (12MP) and the E-420 (10MP) is pretty close but the X1 (APS-C) and E-420 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The X1 was launched 19 months later than the E-420 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica X1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the X1 grades against the E-420 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica X1 and Olympus E-420. The complete galleries are available at Leica X1 Gallery and Olympus E-420 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Leica X1 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 306 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-420 has sizing of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs).

Check the Leica X1 and Olympus E-420 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the X1 compared to the E-420.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the X1 and E-420 is 89 and 77 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The photograph underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the X1 and E-420.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Leica X1 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher X1 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.