Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony ZV-1

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony ZV-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and ZV-1 (20MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and ZV-1 (1") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-1 was revealed 10 years prior to the ZV-1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the XZ-1 matches up against the ZV-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Sony ZV-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 features exterior 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 ZV-1 has dimensions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") along with a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Olympus XZ-1 vs Sony ZV-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the ZV-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-1 and ZV-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and ZV-1.

Clearly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony ZV-1 will show extra detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The older XZ-1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.