Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax P70

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax P70, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the P70 (12MP) is pretty similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and P70 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 24 months after the P70 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the P70 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax Optio P70. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Pentax P70 has sizing of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax P70 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 versus the P70.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and P70 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by going over specs. The picture below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and P70.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax P70 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XZ-1 should have an advantage in sensor technology.