Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ5

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and SZ5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-1 was brought out 17 months prior to the SZ5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the XZ-1 scores vs the SZ5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the SZ5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and SZ5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and SZ5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ5 will result in extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.