Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung NX mini

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Samsung NX mini, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and NX mini (20.5MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and NX mini (1") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was revealed 4 years earlier than the NX mini and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX mini being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the XZ-1 grades vs the NX mini with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX mini. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Samsung NX mini Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 has physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Samsung NX mini has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 versus Samsung NX mini in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the XZ-1 against the NX mini.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and NX mini is 88 and 93 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The graphic underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and NX mini.

All in all, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX mini will render more detail because of its extra 10.5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.