Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony S980

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 and Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is fairly close but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and S980 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was brought out 24 months after the S980 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the S980 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 features external measurements 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 S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 and Sony S980 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 against the S980.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and S980 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through specs. The image here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and S980.

All in all, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony S980 will result in more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern XZ-1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.