Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax W90

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax W90, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the W90 (12MP) is relatively close but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and W90 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was announced 12 months later than the W90 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the XZ-1 scores versus the W90 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax Optio W90. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Pentax W90 has measurements of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax W90 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 against the W90.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and W90 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and W90.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Pentax W90 will render greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The younger XZ-1 will have an edge in sensor technology.