Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax E70

Here, we are matching up the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax E70, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the E70 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and E70 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was launched 2 years after the E70 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the XZ-1 matches up against the E70 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Pentax Optio E70. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Pentax E70 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outside dimensions 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 Pentax E70 has dimensions of 94mm x 61mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 1.0") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax E70 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the XZ-1 and the E70.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and E70 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and E70.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 contains the larger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The newer XZ-1 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.