Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony S950

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony S950, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the S950 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and S950 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was manufactured 24 months later than the S950 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the XZ-1 scores versus the S950 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony S950 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 has physical measurements 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 S950 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony S950 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the S950.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and S950 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and S950.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 has the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult. The younger XZ-1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.