Olympus SP-610UZ vs Panasonic GF1

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is very comparable but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor sizes.

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The SP-610UZ was introduced 15 months later than the GF1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the SP-610UZ grades against the GF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ has exterior dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") and a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has specifications of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-610UZ vs the GF1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-610UZ and GF1 is 79 and 85 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-610UZ and GF1.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-610UZ having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SP-610UZ will produce more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger SP-610UZ should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.