Olympus E-520 vs Sony WX1

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-520 versus Sony WX1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the WX1 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and WX1 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-520 was launched 11 months prior to the WX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony WX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-520 matches up versus the WX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-520 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Sony WX1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-520 features exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Sony WX1 has sizing of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") having a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-520 versus Sony WX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-520 vs the WX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and WX1 is 68 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specifications. The photograph below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and WX1.

Plainly, both the cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The E-520 includes the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The older E-520 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.