Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX100 III

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony RX100 III, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and RX100 III (1") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the RX100 III and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the RX100 III in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 has physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 III has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony RX100 III in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 against the RX100 III.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and RX100 III is 88 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through technical specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and RX100 III.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 III will provide more detail due to its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.