Olympus XZ-1 vs Ricoh CX2

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-1 versus Ricoh CX2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the CX2 (9MP) is very well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and CX2 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 18 months later than the CX2 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the XZ-1 matches up against the CX2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 & Ricoh CX2. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Ricoh CX2 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 provides outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Ricoh CX2 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 versus Ricoh CX2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the CX2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and CX2 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The visual here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and CX2.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus XZ-1 will give greater detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent XZ-1 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.