Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony RX1

Following is a complete assessment of the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony RX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was introduced 5 months after the RX1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-15 scores vs the RX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 provides outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony RX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ-15 and the RX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and RX1 is 88 and 79 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The image here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and RX1.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-15 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX1 will deliver greater detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively.