Olympus SP-100 vs Sony QX1

Below is a thorough review of the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony QX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Lens-style by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The SP-100 was brought out 7 months earlier than the QX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SP-100 grades against the QX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 provides outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sony QX1 has dimensions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 vs Sony QX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-100 versus the QX1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and QX1 is 63 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and QX1.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-100 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony QX1 will show more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older SP-100 will be behind in sensor innovation.