Olympus XZ-1 vs Samsung NX5

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Samsung. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and NX5 (15MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and NX5 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was launched 8 months after the NX5 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the XZ-1 grades versus the NX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 & Samsung NX5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 features outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung NX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 vs the NX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and NX5 is 88 and 80 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The image here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and NX5.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will give more detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger XZ-1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.