Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax W80

Lets look closer at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Pentax W80, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the W80 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and W80 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 20 months later than the W80 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the XZ-1 scores vs the W80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 & Pentax Optio W80. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Pentax W80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 features 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) and the Pentax W80 has measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-1 versus Pentax W80 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 and the W80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and W80 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and W80.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax W80 will give you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer XZ-1 provides an edge in sensor technology.