Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic ZS25

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS25, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZS25 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZS25 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was unveiled 23 months earlier than the ZS25 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the XZ-1 scores against the ZS25 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS25 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 has got physical dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS25 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic ZS25 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 against the ZS25.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and ZS25 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and ZS25.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS25 will offer extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older XZ-1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.