Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic LX100

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic LX100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and LX100 (13MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and LX100 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was revealed 4 years before the LX100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the XZ-1 matches up against the LX100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic LX100 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic LX100 has specifications of 115mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.2") with a weight of 393 grams (0.87 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic LX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-1 vs the LX100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and LX100 is 88 and 83 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and LX100.

As you can tell, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic LX100 will produce extra detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be behind in sensor innovation.