Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic GF7

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GF7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was introduced 3 years prior to the GF7 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SH-50 scores versus the GF7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-50 Gallery & Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-50 offers outside measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic GF7 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GF7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SH-50 versus the GF7.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and GF7 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-50 and GF7.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The SH-50 offers the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF harder. The older SH-50 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.