Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax S1

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax S1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and S1 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and S1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was launched about the same time to the S1 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the XZ-1 grades versus the S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 offers outer measurements 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 Pentax S1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 versus the S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and S1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The image below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and S1.

As you can see, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Pentax S1 will render more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively.