Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax X90

The following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax X90, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the X90 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and X90 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was introduced 7 months after the X90 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the XZ-1 scores vs the X90 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax X90. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax X90 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 has outside dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Pentax X90 has specifications of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax X90 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 against the X90.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and X90 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Often, it's hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The image here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and X90.

Plainly, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Pentax X90 will resolve greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent XZ-1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.