Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FP7

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FP7, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and FP7 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and FP7 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was released within a month of the FP7 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the XZ-1 grades vs the FP7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 features exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic FP7 has sizing of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FP7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 against the FP7.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and FP7 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and FP7.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP7 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics much more aggressively.