Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FS12

Let's look closer at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FS12, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the FS12 (12MP) is very similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and FS12 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was announced 22 months after the FS12 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the XZ-1 grades against the FS12 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic FS12 has proportions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FS12 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 vs the FS12.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and FS12 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading specifications. The image here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and FS12.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic FS12 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The fresher XZ-1 provides a benefit in sensor tech.