Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX1

Following is a thorough review of the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and RX1 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was launched 3 years earlier than the RX1 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the XZ-1 grades against the RX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 offers physical dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the RX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and RX1 is 88 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and RX1.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony RX1 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.