Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony A500

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony A500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is pretty similar but the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-10 was launched 3 years later than the A500 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the XZ-10 scores vs the A500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-10 features exterior dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony A500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the XZ-10 compared to the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-10 and A500 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by going over specs. The photograph below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-10 and A500.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The XZ-10 comes with the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more challenging. The fresher XZ-10 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.