Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony RX10

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony RX10, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-10 (12MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") feature different sensor size.

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The XZ-10 was announced 13 months before the RX10 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the XZ-10 matches up against the RX10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-10 features external measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has proportions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus XZ-10 vs Sony RX10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-10 against the RX10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-10 and RX10 is 91 and 58 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The pic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-10 and RX10.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-10 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony RX10 will offer more detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged XZ-10 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.