Olympus 1s vs Sony A58

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus 1s versus Sony A58, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and A58 (20MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and A58 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1s was unveiled 17 months later than the A58 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the 1s grades against the A58 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1s and Sony SLT-A58. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1s features outside dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Sony A58 has measurements of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1s versus Sony A58 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the 1s and the A58.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and A58 is 79 and 68 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1s and A58.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1s having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony A58 will give you greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent 1s is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.