Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic GF1

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic GF1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is relatively close and both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-420 was announced 15 months prior to the GF1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-420 grades versus the GF1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-420 has got external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and 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).

Examine the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-420 vs the GF1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and GF1 is 77 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by looking through technical specs. The picture here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and GF1.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Panasonic GF1 to render extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.