Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GX1

Below is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and GX1 (16MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The SP-590 UZ was manufactured 4 years before the GX1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SP-590 UZ grades against the GX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ comes with outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") and a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX1 has measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the GX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and GX1 is 72 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by researching specs. The visual below should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and GX1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SP-590 UZ because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic GX1 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ will be behind with regard to sensor tech.