• 1/1.63 inch 46.2mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Olympus XZ-1 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    14 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Olympus XZ-1

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/1.63 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.15 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Better color depth
    20.9 vs 18.8 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    499 vs 117 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Less shutter lag
    0.24 vs 0.52 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung TL500

Olympus XZ-1
Samsung TL500
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PL3
Samsung TL500
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $450
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus XZ-1
Olympus E-PM1
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus XZ-1
Panasonic GF5
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Olympus XZ-2

Olympus XZ-1
Olympus XZ-2
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $470
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus XZ-2
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $470
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon N100

Olympus XZ-1
Canon N100
  • $500
  • 1/1.63 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Manual focus
  • $349
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL3
Canon N100
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $349
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
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