Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony WX220

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony WX220, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and WX220 (18MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and WX220 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was announced 4 years earlier than the WX220 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony WX220 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the XZ-1 grades versus the WX220 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX220. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony WX220 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Sony WX220 has dimensions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 versus Sony WX220 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the WX220.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and WX220 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by reviewing a spec sheet. The image underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and WX220.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony WX220 will deliver greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.