Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony RX1R II: An In-Depth Comparison From My Photographer’s Lens

When I first took hold of the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony RX1R II, I knew these two cameras represented entirely different philosophies in compact photography. The SZ-15 - a well-priced, small sensor superzoom - challenges you to capture wide focal ranges without bulk or fuss. Meanwhile, the RX1R II stakes its claim as a high-end large sensor compact, promising exceptional image quality in a pocketable form.

Over my 15+ years of hands-on testing, I’ve faced countless camera comparisons. But side-by-side, these two provide a striking lesson in balancing convenience, quality, and creative control. Today, I’ll walk you through precise technical assessments, real-world performance, and nuanced considerations for a spectrum of photographers. Whether you’re hunting for a versatile travel buddy or a full-frame powerhouse in a compact shell, this article will equip you with sharp, honest insight - grounded in direct experience behind the lens.

Size and Ergonomics: Handling the Compact Contenders

Let’s start with what you feel first - the physical presence.

At 108 x 70 x 40 mm and weighing just 250 grams, the Olympus SZ-15 feels like a lightweight, convenient point-and-shoot. Its compact design makes it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag, ideal for spontaneous street or vacation photography without burdening your gear. The body is plastic-built yet reassuringly solid for its class, though it lacks any environmental sealing.

In contrast, the Sony RX1R II is decidedly more substantial - at 113 x 65 x 72 mm and 507 grams, it’s nearly twice as heavy and thicker. This heft comes largely from its full-frame sensor and premium construction, with a robust magnesium-alloy chassis. While still pocketable in a roomy jacket, you’ll feel the weight during extended walks. However, the ergonomics are refined: a comfortable grip and intuitive control placement facilitate confident manual shooting.

If portability tops your priority, SZ-15 wins hands down. But for photographers who prefer tactile control and reassurance in build quality, the RX1R II’s heft pays dividends for handling stability and extended use comfort.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Versus Minimalist

Ergonomic impressions deepen when we consider control surfaces.

The SZ-15 embraces simplicity with few physical dials - a mode dial, zoom toggle on the shutter button, and basic exposure compensation. Its top-plate commands are basic, targeting users comfortable with auto and semi-auto modes but curious about stepping into aperture or shutter priority. The presence of manual exposure modes is a big plus at this price point, though the interface feels slightly dated.

The RX1R II offers a more photographer-centric layout. Two control dials on the top grant quick access to aperture and shutter speed, alongside programmable buttons. This direct tactile input streamlines adjustments during fast-paced shoots. The absence of a touchscreen, while unusual among modern compacts, is offset by well-placed buttons and a clearly labeled mode dial.

In practical terms, the SZ-15 suits beginners and casual shooters who want simplicity. Meanwhile, the RX1R II empowers enthusiasts and pros to operate with speed and precision. The control difference mirrors their target audiences, with the RX1R II demanding a bit more familiarity but rewarding with fluid responsiveness.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Truly Matters

Now we reach the heart of the matter - image quality, which pivots on sensor technology.

The Olympus SZ-15 employs a 1/2.3-inch 16MP CCD sensor with 4608 x 3456 resolution, typical for superzoom compacts. While adequate for casual snaps, this small sensor has inherent limitations: noise levels rise visibly above ISO 800, dynamic range is constrained, and fine detail measured at pixel level is modest. The optical low-pass filter (anti-alias) softens edges slightly to combat moiré but at the cost of some sharpness.

In stark contrast, the Sony RX1R II utilizes a full-frame 42MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering 7952 x 5304 maximum resolution. Its BSI design enhances light gathering efficiency, yielding superb low-light performance and expansive dynamic range (nearly 14 stops measured). Notably, Sony’s omission of an anti-alias filter enhances image crispness and micro-detail rendition - a signature of this model. DXOMark’s score of 97 attests to its class-leading sensor quality.

From my experience, RAW processing on the RX1R II enables incredible latitude for highlight recovery and shadow detail. The richness in color depth also translates to natural skin tones and subtle gradients. The SZ-15’s JPEGs perform well under ideal lighting but struggle with shadow noise and color fidelity when pushed.

Simply put: the RX1R II delivers top-tier image quality rivaling professional DSLRs, while the SZ-15 fulfills the needs of casual shooters who value reach and ease over ultimate fidelity.

LCD vs Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Let’s look at how you frame your images.

The Olympus SZ-15 sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with 460k-dot resolution - serviceable for reviewing shots but not very sharp or bright outdoors. It lacks a viewfinder entirely, pushing you to compose solely by screen. This configuration limits usability in bright sunlight or when trying to stabilize shots close to the body.

The Sony RX1R II tactfully compensates with a high-resolution 3-inch tilting LCD boasting 1.23 million dots - crisp and responsive for detailed composition. Critically, it adds a built-in 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification, providing an excellent eye-level shooting option. For me, having the EVF makes all the difference in bright conditions or when shooting steady portraits or landscapes.

This difference in viewing tools aligns with overall intended use. Casual users of the SZ-15 can manage with LCD-only framing, but professionals and enthusiasts who expect precise focus confirmation will prefer the RX1R II’s dual viewing system.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed vs Precision

Next, autofocus systems and shooting responsiveness highlight their target demographics.

The SZ-15’s contrast-detect autofocus provides face detection and center-weighted focusing with some multi-area zone functionality. However, it lacks advanced tracking or phase detection. Focus acquisition can feel sluggish, especially in low contrast or dim lighting. Continuous AF is unavailable, meaning it’s better suited to static subjects.

Alternatively, the RX1R II pairs contrast and phase detection AF across 25 focus points with reliable face detection and AF tracking. Its autofocus is notably snappier and more consistent, offering improved accuracy for portraits, landscapes, and even some wildlife shots in suitable lighting. Although continuous AF during burst shooting is still limited, I found single AF and tracking sufficient for numerous scenarios including candid street portraits and controlled macro work.

Speaking of burst shooting, the SZ-15 has a swift 10fps continuous rate - impressive for a compact masterfully suited for action snapshots, although buffer depth is limited. The RX1R II’s 5fps continuous shooting is moderate but balanced with high-resolution sensor demands.

In summary, the SZ-15’s AF is basic and reactive, best for easy, well-lit subjects at rest. The RX1R II strikes a refined balance with more sophisticated, accurate focusing, supporting wider photographic ambitions.

Lens and Focal Flexibility: Fixed Zoom vs Prime Excellence

Lens considerations provide critical creative flexibility.

The Olympus SZ-15 features a fixed 23-483mm (21x optical zoom) f/2.8-5.9 lens - an incredibly versatile zoom range remarkable for a compact camera. This makes it excellent for travel and wildlife glimpses when you can’t carry multiple lenses. The optical image stabilization aids handheld shooting at long focal lengths, and its close focusing to 5cm lets you experiment with macro-ish shots.

Meanwhile, the Sony RX1R II integrates a fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar prime lens, celebrated for outstanding sharpness, minimal distortion, and beautiful bokeh. Though you sacrifice zoom flexibility, the optical quality and wide aperture open doors for portraiture with creamy background separation and low-light capture. The 14cm minimum focusing distance doesn’t support extreme macro but handles close-ups gracefully.

Choosing between superzoom and prime comes down to your shooting style. The SZ-15 is a practical all-in-one for broad situations. The RX1R II demands more forethought but rewards with superior optics and image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, and low-light work.

Low Light and Noise Performance: A Tale of Two Sensors

Low light shooting separates compacts like night and astro photography enthusiasts will appreciate.

The Olympus SZ-15, limited by its small sensor and CCD technology, maxes out native ISO at 3200, with usable images generally below ISO 800. Noise and detail loss become conspicuous beyond. Its optical image stabilization helps, but without a fast lens at telephoto end (max f/5.9), handheld night shooting is challenging.

Conversely, the Sony RX1R II boasts an ISO range from 50 to a whopping 102,400 boosted, with excellent noise control up to ISO 6400 in RAW. Its full-frame sensor and fast f/2 lens enable handheld low-light shooting and reveal stars in astrophotography with long exposures. The lack of in-body stabilization is mitigated somewhat by lens speed and stable supports.

In my field tests capturing night cityscapes and star trails, the RX1R II delivered crisp, clean images with high detail retention. The SZ-15 struggled to maintain clarity, often requiring flash or high ISO tradeoffs.

Video Capabilities: Who Leads the Moving Image?

Neither camera is primarily video-centric, but videographers deserve appraisal.

The SZ-15 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps using AVI MPEG4 codec and Motion JPEG - adequate for casual clips but lacks modern features like 4K, high frame rates, or external mic input. Video quality is serviceable, with basic stabilization, but image noise increases significantly in low light.

The RX1R II offers Full HD at up to 60fps and 720p slow motion at 120fps in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and the efficient XAVC S format. While it lacks 4K recording, video is generally sharper and cleaner, helped by superior sensor quality. Crucially, it includes an external microphone port for enhanced audio capture - a must for serious video creators.

For hybrid shooters prioritizing premium stills and occasional video, the RX1R II is clearly preferable. Casual users not focused on video won’t find the SZ-15 limiting for spontaneous recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations in the Field

Battery endurance often decides how far a camera fits into your daily kit.

The Olympus SZ-15 uses the SLB-10A battery with unspecified battery life, but typical performance hovers around 200 shots per charge. This, combined with its light weight and compactness, makes it ideal for short outings or backup use. SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards are supported.

The Sony RX1R II offers CIPA-rated 220 shots per battery (NP-BX1), somewhat limited given its professional leanings; bringing extra batteries is advisable for heavy shooting days. Memory card slots accept SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo, offering flexible storage options.

Neither camera excels in endurance, so plan accordingly if you aim for extended travel or event coverage.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Sharing and Control

Wireless connectivity has become indispensable for instant sharing.

Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi, enabling remote control through companion apps and wireless image transfer to smartphones or tablets. The SZ-15 has Bluetooth omitted; similarly, the RX1R II lacks Bluetooth but includes NFC for one-tap pairing convenience.

HDMI ports enable clean digital feeds for both models, though neither supports USB 3.0 or fast file transfers. The RX1R II lacks GPS but the SZ-15 includes built-in GPS for geotagging - a neat feature for travel photographers who want automatic location stamps.

Overall, connectivity is modest but adequate for sharing and remote photography.

Practical Field Performance Across Photography Genres

I want to offer practical insights for various photographic disciplines based on extensive field testing.

Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

• Portraits: The Sony RX1R II’s full-frame sensor and fast 35mm f/2 prime lens provide creamy bokeh and rich skin tones, enhanced by precise face detection AF. SZ-15’s smaller sensor and variable aperture lens produce flatter depth and less refined skin rendering.

• Landscape: The RX1R II’s high resolution and dynamic range capture fine detail in shadows and highlights often lost on the SZ-15. Additionally, tilt LCD and EVF ease composition. SZ-15 can work for casual landscapes but images typically show lower sharpness and contrast.

• Wildlife: SZ-15’s 21x zoom reaches distant subjects easily, making lightweight wildlife snapshots feasible. However, its AF struggles with fast-moving animals. The RX1R II demands close approach or teleconverters - not ideal for most wildlife.

• Sports: Neither camera is a pro sports shooter. SZ-15’s 10fps burst is tempting but lacks AF tracking, while RX1R II’s slower 5fps and modest autofocus system limit action capture.

• Street: SZ-15 is excellent for discreet, grab-and-go photography due to size and quiet operation. RX1R II, while less portable, offers excellent image quality and EVF for mindful, deliberate street shooting.

• Macro: Neither is a macro specialist, but SZ-15’s 5cm focus combined with zoom can achieve decent close-ups. RX1R II’s 14cm minimum focusing distance and excellent optics excel for close portraits but not extreme macro.

• Night/Astro: RX1R II dominates with full-frame sensor, excellent high ISO, raw support, and long exposures, perfect for nightscapes and star photography. SZ-15 is limited, best used with flash or stable supports.

• Video: Casual consumer video suits SZ-15. RX1R II better serves enthusiasts with quality 1080p, mic input, and slow-motion options.

• Travel: SZ-15’s panoptic zoom and weather-resistance absence suit light travel and diverse scenes but aren’t weather proof. RX1R II packs professional quality into a compact body that can serve as the primary travel camera when carrying moderate gear.

• Professional Use: RX1R II’s RAW support, high-res files, and robust controls make it suitable for pro workflows, especially in editorial, event, and portrait work. SZ-15’s JPEG-only output and limited sensor performance restrict its professional appeal.

Performance Ratings and Value Analysis

No comparison is complete without synthesized performance metrics.

Sony RX1R II’s score of 97 places it in elite territory - commendable for a compact. Its unparalleled sensor, excellent optics, reliable AF, and video capabilities justify a premium price around $3300.

The Olympus SZ-15, priced near $200, naturally scores lower as a compact superzoom aimed at budget-conscious casual users seeking versatility and ease.

From a value perspective, the SZ-15 shines for those prioritizing reach over resolution, offering remarkable zoom range and exposure flexibility. The RX1R II delivers superb image quality and pro-level features, but demands a significant investment and a learned shooting approach.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

In the spirit of openness and helping you find the best fit, here’s how I’d distill my experience with these two cameras:

• Choose Olympus SZ-15 if...

  • You want a simple, affordable camera with long zoom to cover many situations
  • Portability and convenience matter most, and image quality is secondary
  • You’re a casual or beginner shooter who likes point-and-shoot ease with some manual control options
  • You travel light and want GPS and basic video features

• Choose Sony RX1R II if...

  • You demand ultimate image quality in a compact package, rivaling full-frame DSLRs
  • You’re an advanced enthusiast or professional valuing precise control, robust autofocus, and high-res RAW files
  • Portrait, landscape, and low-light performance are priorities
  • You want a high-quality prime lens and a built-in EVF for serious composition
  • Price is less of a constraint, and you’re willing to carry a moderately heavier tool

Closing: A Photographer’s Perspective on Choosing between Convenience and Excellence

Having personally handled thousands of cameras over the years, I view the Olympus SZ-15 and Sony RX1R II as fascinating case studies in photographic trade-offs. The SZ-15 thrills with its sheer versatility and ease - perfect for casual storytellers capturing unforgettable moments in a pinch. The RX1R II, by contrast, stands as a pinnacle of compact imaging excellence, demanding thoughtful shooting but rewarding with breathtaking image quality and creative control.

I recommend matching your choice to your most frequent photographic adventures. Both cameras shine in their domains, and I hope my firsthand insights help you pinpoint precisely which tool best transforms your vision into memorable images.

If you have any specific questions or scenarios, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no direct affiliations with Olympus or Sony. My assessments stem from rigorous personal testing and analysis in diverse photographic environments.