Olympus SH-50 vs Panasonic GM1

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GM1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the GM1 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-50 was manufactured 11 months prior to the GM1 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the SH-50 matches up against the GM1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-50 Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-50 enjoys external dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") along with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-50 versus Panasonic GM1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SH-50 vs the GM1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-50 and GM1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-50 and GM1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The SH-50 has the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF harder. The older SH-50 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.