Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic LF1

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic LF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was launched 5 years earlier than the LF1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SP-590 UZ matches up versus the LF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-590 UZ comes with exterior dimensions 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 LF1 has sizing of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the LF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and LF1 is 72 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by checking specifications. The picture below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and LF1.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SP-590 UZ comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher. The more aged SP-590 UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.