Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZR1

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZR1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZR1 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was launched 19 months after the ZR1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the XZ-1 scores vs the ZR1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 features outside 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) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic ZR1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the ZR1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and ZR1 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The image below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and ZR1.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZR1 will show more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger XZ-1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.