Olympus E-420 vs Olympus XZ-10

Below is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus XZ-10, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the XZ-10 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and XZ-10 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-420 was revealed 5 years earlier than the XZ-10 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-420 grades versus the XZ-10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Olympus Stylus XZ-10. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Olympus XZ-10 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 provides outside dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-10 has proportions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus XZ-10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-420 compared to the XZ-10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and XZ-10 is 77 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and XZ-10.

Clearly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-420 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus XZ-10 will offer greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.