Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic XS1

Here is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic XS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is very well matched but the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-M10 was launched 15 months later than the XS1 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-M10 grades versus the XS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M10 provides outside dimensions of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") having a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) and the Panasonic XS1 has dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic XS1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M10 vs the XS1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M10 and XS1 is 82 and 97 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M10 and XS1.

All in all, both of those cameras have the same megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The E-M10 provides the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field easier. The more recent E-M10 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.