Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony WX5

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony WX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the WX5 (12MP) is relatively similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and WX5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was introduced 7 months after the WX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the XZ-1 scores against the WX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Sony WX5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 features outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Sony WX5 has specifications of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony WX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the WX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and WX5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The pic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and WX5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 using its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Sony WX5 will offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger XZ-1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.