Olympus 1s vs Sony W290

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus 1s versus Sony W290, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the W290 (12MP) is relatively similar but the 1s (1/1.7") and W290 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The 1s was unveiled 6 years later than the W290 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the 1s grades against the W290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1s & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus 1s has got external measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Sony W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Olympus 1s versus Sony W290 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the 1s vs the W290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1s and W290 is 79 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and W290.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The 1s provides the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The newer 1s is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.