Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic GF1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic GF1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-520 was launched 14 months prior to the GF1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-520 matches up versus the GF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-520 features outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-520 versus the GF1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and GF1 is 68 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specs. The pic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-520 and GF1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic GF1 to resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be behind in sensor tech.