Olympus XZ-1 vs Olympus SZ-15

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Olympus XZ-1 and the Olympus SZ-15, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Olympus XZ-1 was introduced in January 2011 and Olympus SZ-15 was introduced in June 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Olympus XZ-1 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/1.63-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 614k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Olympus SZ-15 Highlights

      • 16 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus SZ-15.

      PROS

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 34
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Olympus XZ-1

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus XZ-1 over Olympus SZ-15.

      Olympus XZ-1 vs Olympus SZ-15
      Larger Sensor 1/1.63-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      RAW Support vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.8 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/2.5 vs f/5.9
      Min Normal Focus Distance 60 cm vs 80 cm
      Min Macro Focus Distance 1 cm vs 5 cm
      Higher Resolution Screen 614k dot vs 460k dot
      Viewfinder Electronic (optional) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 60 sec vs 8 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus XZ-1.

      Advantage of Olympus SZ-15

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus SZ-15 over Olympus XZ-1.

      Olympus XZ-1 vs Olympus SZ-15
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 3664 x 2752 vs 4608 x 3456
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 23 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 112 mm vs 483 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 4x vs 21x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 1920 x 1080
      Built-in GPS vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz) vs 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus SZ-15.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Olympus XZ-1 Olympus SZ-15
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4003,200
        Face Detection
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type D Mini
        Light275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz)250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Olympus XZ-1 Olympus SZ-15
        Small Sensor1/1.63-inch1/2.3-inch
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen614k dot460k dot
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus SZ-15 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 614k dot and 460k dot resolutions respectively.

      Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached on Olympus XZ-1.

      Sensor

      Olympus XZ-1 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.63-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 8.07 x 5.56 mm and a total area of 44.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Olympus SZ-15 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

      Photography Features

      Olympus XZ-1 is equipped with TruePic V processor and can take pictures up to 3664 x 2752 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2056, 3648 x 2432, 3200 x 2400, 3200 x 1800, 3216 x 2144, 2736 x 2736, 2400 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1440, 2544 x 1696, 1920 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1536 x 864, 1584 x 1056, 1296 x 864, 1280 x 960, 1280 x 720, 1216 x 1216, 1024 x 768, 1024 x 576, 1008 x 672, 960 x 960, 768 x 768, 640 x 480, 640 x 360, 624 x 416, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Olympus SZ-15 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4608 x 3072, 4608 x 2592, 3648 x 2736, 2832 x 2832, 2592 x 1944, 1984 x 1488, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Olympus SZ-15

      Olympus SZ-15 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Olympus SZ-15

      Olympus SZ-15 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Olympus XZ-1 has a Type D Mini HDMI and Olympus SZ-15 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Olympus XZ-1 comes with Li-50B battery pack with battery life of 320 shots and Olympus SZ-15 comes with SLB-10A battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus XZ-1, and up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus SZ-15. Olympus XZ-1 can shoot continuously up to 2.0 fps. Olympus SZ-15 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 8.60 m ISO 800 on Olympus XZ-1 and 3.50 m on Olympus SZ-15. Olympus XZ-1 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Wireless connection..

      Physical Parameters

      Olympus XZ-1 body has dimensions of 111 x 65 x 42 mm (4.37 x 2.56 x 1.65") and Olympus SZ-15 body has dimensions of 108 x 70 x 40 mm (4.25 x 2.76 x 1.57"). Olympus XZ-1 weighs 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz) and Olympus SZ-15 weighs 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz).

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      111 mm

      65 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      108 mm

      70 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus SZ-15

      Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus SZ-15 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      GOOD
      79
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus SZ-15 and give them scores of 60 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 34
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      77
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Olympus XZ-1

      Olympus SZ-15

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 275 g (0.61 lb / 9.70 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 320 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      53
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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