Nikon S9100 vs Olympus XZ-1

Let's look much closer at the Nikon S9100 and Olympus XZ-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the S9100 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the S9100 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The S9100 was revealed 6 months later than the XZ-1 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the S9100 scores versus the XZ-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S9100 & Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S9100 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon S9100 enjoys external measurements of 105mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Nikon S9100 and Olympus XZ-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the S9100 versus the XZ-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the S9100 and XZ-1 is 91 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The photograph below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the S9100 and XZ-1.

All in all, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S9100 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon S9100 will give you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively.