Nikon S800c vs Panasonic GF1

Here, we will be evaluating the Nikon S800c versus Panasonic GF1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the S800c (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the S800c (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S800c was launched 3 years after the GF1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon S800c being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S800c matches up versus the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S800c and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are available at Nikon S800c Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon S800c provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 184 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Nikon S800c versus Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S800c vs the GF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S800c and GF1 is 93 and 85 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S800c and GF1.

Clearly, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S800c featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Nikon S800c will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern S800c should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.