Olympus SP-610UZ vs Panasonic GX1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Panasonic GX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is pretty close but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-610UZ was revealed 13 months earlier than the GX1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SP-610UZ matches up versus the GX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery and Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-610UZ has outer dimensions of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") along with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX1 has sizing of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-610UZ versus Panasonic GX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SP-610UZ against the GX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-610UZ and GX1 is 79 and 87 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-610UZ and GX1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-610UZ having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic GX1 will result in more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SP-610UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.