Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony HX5

Below is a in-depth review of the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is fairly similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and HX5 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was revealed 8 months later than the HX5 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the XZ-1 scores versus the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 comes with outside dimensions 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 HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony HX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the XZ-1 vs the HX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and HX5 is 88 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and HX5.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The XZ-1 features the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler. The younger XZ-1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.