Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony A850

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus XZ-1 and Sony A850, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and A850 (25MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and A850 (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

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The XZ-1 was announced 10 months after the A850 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the XZ-1 scores versus the A850 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Sony A850 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-1 and Sony A850 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the XZ-1 against the A850.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and A850 is 88 and 54 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and A850.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony A850 will provide greater detail with its extra 15MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent XZ-1 provides an edge in sensor innovation.