Olympus 1s vs Sony S980

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus 1s vs Sony S980, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and S980 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1s was introduced 6 years after the S980 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief overview of how the 1s scores against the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1s and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus 1s features outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Olympus 1s vs Sony S980 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the 1s compared to the S980.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and S980 is 79 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and S980.

Clearly, each of the cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The 1s features the larger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The more modern 1s will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.