Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GF5

Below is a thorough assessment of the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GF5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is fairly similar but the 1 (1/1.7") and GF5 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1 was announced 20 months later than the GF5 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the 1 scores against the GF5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1 provides physical 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) while the Panasonic GF5 has measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GF5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the 1 and the GF5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 and GF5 is 79 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 and GF5.

Clearly, the two cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The 1 has got the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF trickier. The fresher 1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.