Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung CL5

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung CL5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the CL5 (9MP) is fairly well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and CL5 (1/2.5") posses different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 24 months later than the CL5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the XZ-1 grades against the CL5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung CL5. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Samsung CL5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Samsung CL5 has measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung CL5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 and the CL5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and CL5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and CL5.

Plainly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus XZ-1 will resolve more detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher XZ-1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.