Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX100 VA

Let's look more closely at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX100 VA, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and RX100 VA (1") offer totally different sensor size.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 8 years earlier than the RX100 VA and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the RX100 VA with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 VA has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony RX100 VA in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the RX100 VA.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and RX100 VA is 88 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specs. The photograph underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and RX100 VA.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX100 VA will give more detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.