Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FP5

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FP5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and FP5 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and FP5 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was manufactured at a similar time to the FP5 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the XZ-1 scores versus the FP5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 has got external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP5 has sizing of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FP5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-1 and the FP5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and FP5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and FP5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FP5 will offer you more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively.