Olympus SP-610UZ vs Panasonic GH1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic GH1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is relatively close but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-610UZ was launched 19 months after the GH1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SP-610UZ grades versus the GH1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-610UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-610UZ enjoys physical dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") and a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic GH1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-610UZ vs the GH1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-610UZ and GH1 is 79 and 81 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-610UZ and GH1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-610UZ because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SP-610UZ will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher SP-610UZ is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.