Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GH1

Following is a extended review of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GH1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-12 was announced 2 years after the GH1 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SZ-12 scores versus the GH1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-12 has got outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic GH1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-12 vs the GH1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and GH1 is 89 and 81 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizes just by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-12 and GH1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Olympus SZ-12 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher SZ-12 will have a benefit in sensor technology.