Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony WX30: A Practical Comparison of 2011 Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts and Pros

When I first got my hands on the Olympus XZ-1 and Sony Cyber-shot WX30, I was immediately struck by how tightly these two compacts compete in the crowded “advanced point-and-shoot” market of their era. Both launched in 2011 yet take very different design and performance approaches, targeting enthusiasts and budget-conscious pros alike. To help you figure out which camera suits your photography style and pocketbook, I ran both through extensive testing across genres - from portraits to landscapes, wildlife to video - and dug into their tech specs, handling, and real-world usability.

This detailed comparison will cover everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to battery life. Plus, I’ll pepper in plenty of hands-on insights you won’t find in marketing blurbs. Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for maximum bang per buck or a seasoned shooter seeking a compact backup, I’ll help you decide which camera deserves your hard-earned cash. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive deep.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Olympus XZ-1 and Sony WX30 Basics

Both cameras fall into the “small sensor compact” category but offer different feature sets tuned for distinct user priorities.

Right from the start, the XZ-1 is the chunkier, heftier camera with a more versatile lens and solid manual controls. The WX30 is lighter and more pocket-friendly but trades manual exposure for simplicity and boasts smoother full HD video.

This size difference isn’t trivial - it influences comfort, grip, and overall handling, which I’ll get into soon.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Just Specs

Sensor technology is the heart of image quality and a key decision factor. The Olympus uses a relatively large 1/1.63" CCD sensor. Now, CCDs were fairly common in compact cameras back then, prized for their color accuracy but often limited by noise and lower dynamic range at high ISOs.

The Sony went a different route with a 1/2.3" backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, smaller but more modern. BSI sensors improve low-light performance by capturing more light through improved quantum efficiency.

Here’s how these specs translated in my lab and field tests:

The XZ-1’s larger sensor gives it an edge in color richness and dynamic range, especially in challenging light. Its native ISO performance was better controlled up to ISO 800, beyond which noise increased noticeably. The WX30’s higher resolution might tempt you, but with a smaller sensor, you lose some low-light fidelity and dynamic range, producing noisier shots above ISO 400.

In real use, I found the Olympus handled landscape and portrait shoots in mixed lighting more gracefully, preserving highlight and shadow details with fine tonal gradations. The Sony’s sensor excelled outdoors in bright daylight, packing in detail but struggled in darker scenarios, where noise and contrast falloff became apparent.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance: The Glass Matters

The lens defines what subjects you can shoot and how the images look. Olympus equips the XZ-1 with a 28-112mm equivalent fast zoom (f/1.8-2.5), while Sony plays it safe with a longer 25-125mm but slower f/2.6-6.3 zoom.

That wider aperture on Olympus allows for much shallower depth of field effects and better low-light capture - critical for portraits and artistic shots.

I put each lens through my standard tests, shooting charts, and in diverse situations:

• Olympus XZ-1: Crisp optics with good edge-to-edge sharpness wide open at 28mm. Noticeable vignetting when shooting wide at f/1.8, but nothing objectionable. Bokeh was smooth and creamy, making for flattering portrait backgrounds. The macro focus distance of 1 cm enables detailed close-ups with pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds.

• Sony WX30: Decent sharpness across the range, marginally softer at the longest 125mm zoom. Aperture struggles in low light, requiring higher ISO or steady hands. Macro focus distance is 5 cm, which is less intimate for close-up work. Its optical stabilizer helps mitigate blur.

Lens speed and macro range impact how flexible the camera is across genres: Olympus better suits portraits and macro enthusiasts, while Sony aims to please travelers wanting extra reach for candid snaps and casual nature shots.

Handling, Controls, and Ergonomics: What It’s Like to Shoot Each Day

Ergonomics can make or break a camera’s fun factor. I’m talking about how the camera feels in your hand, button placement, menu navigation, and ease of access to key settings.

The Olympus XZ-1 has a robust, somewhat angular aluminum body with profiled grip clubs for your thumbs and forefinger. It packs physical dials and buttons that let you quickly tweak aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure without diving into menus. Its 3-inch OLED screen displays 614k dots - bright and contrasty, but no touch functionality.

The Sony WX30 opts for a sleeker, ultra-light plastic body with minimal buttons and no manual mode dials to speak of. Instead, it relies on a touch-enabled 3-inch LCD with a slightly higher resolution (922k dots) but is a typical TFT screen. The simplified interface makes it approachable for novices but frustratingly restrictive for those who crave direct control.

In actual shooting, Olympus’s dedicated exposure compensation dial is a standout, allowing instant exposure adjustments - a must-have for photographers accustomed to working quickly. Sony’s WX30 feels like a smartphone camera with limited direct controls but is lightweight enough to stash wherever.

Given the Olympus’s heft and grip, it’s far less prone to shake and awkward handling during longer shoots or burst captures.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Neither camera boasts cutting-edge AF tech by today’s standards, but they differ in focus methods and speed.

• Olympus XZ-1 uses contrast-detection AF with 11 selectable points and face detection. It supports single AF and tracking for moving subjects, but continuous AF during burst shooting isn’t available.

• Sony WX30 also uses contrast-detection AF but only 9 focus points, with center priority and multi-area modes. It lacks face detection.

In my tests shooting portraits and fast-moving subjects:

• The Olympus consistently locked focus on faces quickly, even under moderate low light. AF tracking worked reasonably well but lagged with erratic or fast subjects (wildlife or sports).

• The Sony’s AF was peppier in bright environments but less reliable indoors or under dim lighting. The lack of face detection was a setback for portraits.

Burst shooting speed also factors in for action:

If you crave higher frame rates for street or sports, the Sony excels here, though the AF is less sophisticated.

Image Stabilization: Holding Steady When the Action Heats Up

Olympus offers sensor-shift image stabilization, which moves the sensor to counteract camera shake. This in-body system works regardless of lens and proved effective up to about 2-3 stops slower shutter speeds during handheld shooting.

Sony uses optical image stabilization within the lens. It does a decent job but cannot completely compensate for the small aperture at telephoto zoom settings, especially indoors.

For low-light handheld shots and video, Olympus’s system feels more robust and versatile.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Features for Moving Pictures

This is where Sony’s WX30 really pulls ahead. The WX30 shoots true 1080p video at 60fps in AVCHD format, providing smooth footage with better compression and quality than Olympus’s maximum 720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG.

No external mic or headphone jacks exist on either, so audio control is limited but adequate for casual use.

Sony’s touch interface simplifies frame composition and focusing during video shooting.

For vloggers or casual video makers wanting full HD handheld capture, Sony WX30 is clearly the better pick.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Shines Where?

Let me break this down for you by genre:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus XZ-1: Superior with faster lens for shallow depth of field and a broader aperture range; face detection autofocus helps snag sharp eyes; pleasing bokeh quality. RAW support aids post-processing of skin tones.
• Sony WX30: More limited with slower lens aperture; lacks face detection AF; JPEG-only output restricts editing latitude.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus XZ-1: Advantage in dynamic range and color fidelity; robust build and better control over exposure; sensor size helps resolve details cleanly.
• Sony WX30: Higher megapixel count offers more crops; harsher noise at low light hampers twilight and dusk scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus XZ-1: Moderate zoom range (112mm equiv.) and slower burst rate limit sports/wildlife shots; AF tracking helps but is not fast enough for birds in flight.
• Sony WX30: Longer 125mm telephoto and 10fps burst rate are assets; AF less reliable but faster shooting compensates.

Sports Photography

• Olympus’s 2fps continuous doesn’t cut it here, while Sony’s faster 10fps burst is a key advantage despite lesser AF sophistication.

Street Photography

• Sony’s small size and light weight help stealthy shooting; Olympus’s larger body more conspicuous but offers better control.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm lets you get super detailed close-ups with soft backgrounds.
• Sony’s 5 cm macro distance is decent but less intimate.

Night/Astro Photography

• Olympus’s larger sensor and better low-light ISO handling pulled cleaner starscapes and less noise at high iso sensitivities.
• Sony struggled past ISO 400 in my tests, yielding grainy images.

Video Work

• Sony WX30’s 1080p 60fps recording is a clear winner for video enthusiasts.
• Olympus’s 720p limits video quality and frame rates.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s ultra-lightweight design and longer zoom fit travel needs; good balance for day trips when larger gear isn’t welcome.
• Olympus offers manual exposure, better image quality, and stabilization for more serious photographers willing to carry a bit more weight.

Professional Work

• Olympus’s RAW capture and manual modes offer flexibility for pros; however, neither camera replaces a DSLR or mirrorless workhorse. Both can serve as quick-access backups or easy-to-use second shooters.

Battery and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

• Olympus XZ-1: Battery life rated at 320 shots per charge using Li-50B packs - a decent runtime for a compact with manual controls.
• Sony WX30: Rated at 250 shots; similar battery type but more limited endurance.

Both store pictures on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony adds Memory Stick Duo compatibility for legacy users. I recommend SDXC cards for both to maximize storage.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS - a reflection of their 2011 vintage. Both include HDMI out and USB 2.0 for file transfer. Olympus supports external flash via hot shoe; Sony relies on built-in flash only.

Summing Up Values and Practical Recommendations

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional who values manual control, superior image quality, and better low-light performance - and you don’t mind a bit more bulk or budget - the Olympus XZ-1 remains a very compelling option today. It punches well above its weight in portrait, landscape, macro, and even some mild wildlife photography. The RAW support and sensor shift stabilization add professional-level versatility rare in compacts.

On the other hand, if you prioritize portability, 1080p video at 60fps, longer zoom reach, and rapid burst shooting for street or casual wildlife snaps, plus a lower price tag, then the Sony WX30 is your go-to camera. It trades manual settings for ease of use and lightweight design, appealing to travelers and beginners wanting a capable pocket shooter.

In-Depth Image Samples and Scores

Don’t just take my word for it - here are real-world sample shots from both cameras alongside their respective performance ratings to give you visual proof of our testing conclusions.

Olympus XZ 1 front Olympus XZ 1 screen back Sony WX30 front Sony WX30 screen back

Wrapping Up: Hands-On Expert Tips for Buyers

• If you shoot portraits or artistic close-ups with subject isolation, the Olympus with its brighter lens and larger sensor is worth the extra heft and cost.
• For landscape or travel where image quality and control count more than speed, Olympus leads.
• Looking for casual video capture and fast shooting? The Sony WX30 is the better, cheaper pick.
• Don’t underestimate the joy of physical dials and solid grip on the Olympus XZ-1 - it makes manual exposure fun and more intuitive.
• If you want RAW files and better post-processing latitude, Olympus is king here; Sony locks you into JPEGS.
• Both cameras lack modern wireless connectivity; factor this in if instant sharing is a must-have.
• Battery life favors Olympus, so pack a spare for Sony users.

I hope this no-nonsense breakdown helps you sift through these vintage compacts and find the one that fits your artistic ambitions and budget. Both have solid points and are proof that even “small sensor” cameras can hold their own in skilled hands. Happy shooting!