Olympus SZ-15 vs Panasonic GX1

Let's look closer at the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic GX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is very well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was manufactured 17 months later than the GX1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SZ-15 scores against the GX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 comes with exterior dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic GX1 has proportions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-15 and Panasonic GX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-15 versus the GX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and GX1 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and GX1.

As you can see, both of these cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The SZ-15 comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The younger SZ-15 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.