Olympus SP-565UZ vs Panasonic GH1

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic GH1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor size.

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The SP-565UZ was released 5 months prior to the GH1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SP-565UZ matches up versus the GH1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-565UZ enjoys physical measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has sizing of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-565UZ and Panasonic GH1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SP-565UZ compared to the GH1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-565UZ and GH1 is 72 and 81 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-565UZ and GH1.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-565UZ because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic GH1 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively.