Olympus SP-100 vs Sony ZV-1

The following is a extended comparison of the Olympus SP-100 and Sony ZV-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is pretty close but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and ZV-1 (1") provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was introduced 7 years prior to the ZV-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SP-100 matches up against the ZV-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony ZV-1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 provides exterior 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 ZV-1 has proportions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") and a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Sony ZV-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SP-100 against the ZV-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and ZV-1 is 63 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions only by researching specifications. The pic here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and ZV-1.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-100 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony ZV-1 will provide you with more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SP-100 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.