Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Sony RX1R II

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Sony RX1R II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and RX1R II (42MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and RX1R II (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The SP-590 UZ was introduced 7 years earlier than the RX1R II which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX1R II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SP-590 UZ scores against the RX1R II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Sony RX1R II Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-590 UZ enjoys outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Sony RX1R II has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 72mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 507 grams (1.12 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Sony RX1R II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the RX1R II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and RX1R II is 72 and 78 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and RX1R II.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-590 UZ with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX1R II will offer you greater detail using its extra 30MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ is going to be behind in sensor tech.