Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung NX30

Below is a extended overview of the Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and NX30 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the NX30 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the NX30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX30. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Samsung NX30 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. 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) while the Samsung NX30 has measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 vs the NX30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and NX30 is 88 and 75 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The visual underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and NX30.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX30 will render greater detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.