Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony RX10

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony RX10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the RX10 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") provide different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was revealed 9 months earlier than the RX10 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-15 scores versus the RX10 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 offers outer dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") having a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony RX10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-15 vs the RX10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and RX10 is 88 and 58 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The visual underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and RX10.

Plainly, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ-15 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 will give more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ-15 is going to be behind in sensor tech.