Olympus SZ-11 vs Panasonic GF1

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-11 was revealed 22 months later than the GF1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SZ-11 grades against the GF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 comes with external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-11 and Panasonic GF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-11 against the GF1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-11 and GF1 is 89 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the gap between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The visual below might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-11 and GF1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-11 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SZ-11 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer SZ-11 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.