Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GX9

Below is a thorough analysis of the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GX9, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and GX9 (20MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and GX9 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 1 was released 5 years earlier than the GX9 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the 1 matches up against the GX9 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery and Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1 provides outside dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic GX9 has measurements of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") having a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GX9 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1 compared to the GX9.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and GX9 is 79 and 82 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 and GX9.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GX9 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older 1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.