Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax RZ10

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax RZ10, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and RZ10 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and RZ10 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The XZ-1 was brought out 5 months earlier than the RZ10 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the XZ-1 grades against the RZ10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax Optio RZ10. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 has exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ10 has sizing of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax RZ10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 vs the RZ10.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and RZ10 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specifications. The picture below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and RZ10.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ10 will provide extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively.