Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic SZ1

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus PEN-F versus Panasonic SZ1, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The PEN-F was launched 4 years later than the SZ1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the PEN-F scores against the SZ1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN-F & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus PEN-F Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus PEN-F offers exterior dimensions of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") along with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus PEN-F versus Panasonic SZ1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the PEN-F and the SZ1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the PEN-F and SZ1 is 84 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The graphic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the PEN-F and SZ1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The PEN-F due to its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus PEN-F will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The younger PEN-F will have a benefit in sensor innovation.