Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic G85

Let's look much closer at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic G85, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and G85 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and G85 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was announced 6 years prior to the G85 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the G85 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic G85 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 has got outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic G85 has measurements of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic G85 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the G85.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and G85 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and G85.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic G85 will produce more detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.