Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic LS5

Here, we are comparing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic LS5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and LS5 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and LS5 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was manufactured 5 months before the LS5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a short highlight of how the XZ-1 scores against the LS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic LS5 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys outside measurements 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 LS5 has proportions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic LS5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the LS5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and LS5 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and LS5.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LS5 will resolve more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.