Olympus SZ-15 vs Olympus XZ-1

Below is a extended review of the Olympus SZ-15 versus Olympus XZ-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was released 2 years later than the XZ-1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-15 matches up vs the XZ-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-1 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-15 versus Olympus XZ-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ-15 against the XZ-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and XZ-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and XZ-1.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-15 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SZ-15 will render extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images more aggressively. The more modern SZ-15 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.