Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GH1

Olympus Stylus 1 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1: A Detailed Comparison for Serious Photographers

In the fast-evolving world of digital imaging, choosing the right camera often means balancing sensor size, lens versatility, handling, and video capability to match your unique creative ambitions. Today, we delve deep into a comparison that might surprise some: the Olympus Stylus 1 - a compact, bridge-style superzoom - versus the Panasonic Lumix GH1, an advanced mirrorless system camera that helped pioneer the Micro Four Thirds format. Both boast 12MP sensors yet come from notably different design philosophies and release periods (2013 for the Olympus and 2009 for the Panasonic). Which one holds up better in today’s photography landscape? Let’s unpack this through hands-on testing and technical scrutiny.

Holding the Cameras: Ergonomics and Physical Dimensions

Handling a camera is where our experience starts - after all, a camera must feel like an extension of your creative intent, not a clunky tool to wrestle.

The Olympus Stylus 1 is a bridge camera styled like a compact DSLR with a bulky zoom lens permanently mounted, measuring 116 x 87 x 57 mm and weighing 402 grams. Its solid, plasticky build is approachable, with the heft balanced out by an ergonomically sculpted grip that fits comfortably in hand. Its control layout places direct dials front and center, accommodating quick adjustments, a boon in fast-paced shooting. The inclusion of a tilting touchscreen LCD adds a layer of compositional flexibility.

By contrast, the Panasonic GH1, a first-generation Micro Four Thirds mirrorless body, feels lighter at 385 grams but notably slimmer at 124 x 90 x 45 mm, thanks to the interchangeable lens design without a fixed lens. It weighs slightly less, though lens weight can vary dramatically. The build is robust, more traditionally “camera-like” with a deep hand grip and button-heavy controls. The fully articulated screen - though lower resolution than the Olympus - offers rich flexibility for creative angles and vlogging.

Judging purely by size and feel, I found the Olympus a neat one-hand subject for travel and street photography with less bulk in the pocket when paired with its fixed lens. The GH1, meanwhile, felt more like a DSLR substitute, providing the tactile feedback of dedicated controls and a durable build, suited to more deliberate shooting styles. Think of Olympus as a versatile Swiss Army knife and Panasonic as the first-gen professional’s mirrorless workhorse.

A Closer Look: Top Panel and Controls

User interface is where the camera’s personality reveals itself. The Stylus 1 sports a fairly minimal top layout, prioritizing the zoom ring and a large mode dial paired with a shutter release ring. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) sits atop, offering a sharp 1,440k-dot resolution with 100% coverage - a rare find for bridge cameras of its generation. On testing, the EVF responded quickly, with minimal lag and excellent visibility in bright outdoor scenes.

Meanwhile, the GH1’s top deck packs more tactile switches and dials, including dedicated PASM mode controls, exposure compensation, and an integrated pop-up flash with a broader flash range of 10.5 meters. Its lower resolution EVF can feel a bit dated at 2009 standards but offers eye-level convenience with decent coverage.

My in-field tests found that the Olympus’s simplistic but responsive control scheme supported rapid, intuitive changes mid-shoot - important when chasing dynamic street scenes or wildlife on the go. The GH1’s control cluster rewarded patient, deliberate shooting, enabling fine-tuned exposure and focus precision favored by portrait and landscape photographers.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Battle: Small Sensor Superzoom vs. Micro Four Thirds

The sensor architecture is arguably the most critical factor differentiating the two. The Olympus employs a 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, with an effective area of approximately 41.5 mm² - fairly modest with 12MP resolution (3968×2976 pixels). In contrast, the Panasonic houses a much larger Micro Four Thirds sensor at 18.88 x 14.48 mm, offering 273.5 mm² of imaging surface, also in 12MP (4000×3000 pixels).

This difference manifests in multiple ways: dynamic range, noise performance, depth of field control, and ultimately, raw image detail.

Using both cameras side by side in controlled lighting scenarios, the GH1’s sensor delivered cleaner files at ISO settings above 400, with considerably better low-light capabilities and more shadow detail retention. The Olympus sensor, although using BSI back-illumination technology to maximize light gathering, showed higher noise levels past ISO 800. This limits the Stylus 1’s utility in dim environments or night photography. The GH1’s advantage in sensor size also translates to better color depth and more nuanced tonal gradations.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders and tilting LCDs, albeit with differing specs and ergonomics.

The Stylus 1 features a bright 3-inch 1,040k-dot LCD with touchscreen capabilities, including touch autofocus and menu navigation. This was a bit ahead of its time in 2013 and enabled quick, finger-tip operation. The EVF delivered a bright, color-accurate preview suitable for bright conditions.

The GH1’s 3-inch 460k-dot LCD lacks touch input but offers a fully articulated movement, perfect for macro or low/high-angle shooting. Its EVF, although basic by current standards, still aids composition in daylight.

For users prioritizing quick composition shifts and modern touchscreen convenience, Olympus’s interface is a win. For those who rely heavily on awkward angle shots, macro work, or videography, the GH1’s articulating screen excels, albeit with a modest brightness and resolution tradeoff.

Image Quality and Sample Gallery

Enough with tech specs - what do images look like practically? To test, I photographed a variety of subjects at base ISOs, mid-range, and available zoom/focal lengths in controlled conditions and on location.

Olympus 1 front Olympus 1 screen back Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back

Portrait shots on the GH1 show more natural skin tones, thanks to superior sensor color response and the ability to change lenses with wide apertures, producing a creamier bokeh and superior subject isolation. Olympus’s fixed lens at F2.8 throughout offers consistent performance but limited background separation compared to wider aperture prime lenses on the GH1.

Landscape shots magnify the GH1’s dynamic range advantage: subtle gradations in shadow detail and highlight retention make for richer skies and more lifelike terrain details. Olympus can still hold its own but with a visible loss in nuance in high-contrast scenes.

Wildlife and sports photography are where the Olympus’s extended 28-300mm equivalent zoom shines, offering versatility without lens swaps. Its 7fps burst shooting also outpaces the GH1’s 3fps, helping capture fleeting moments. However, the GH1’s autofocus tracking is weaker, suggesting Olympus is better suited for fast-moving subjects despite its smaller sensor.

Street photography benefits equally from the Olympus’s compact, quiet operation, and fast zoom while the GH1’s lower noise and better low light ISO range make it suitable for moody urban scenes after dusk.

Autofocus and Burst Performance

The Olympus Stylus 1 uses a 25-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous tracking. Autofocus felt snappy and accurate, especially under good light, with less hunting compared to early mirrorless models. Burst shooting at 7fps is competitive and ideal for action sequences.

The GH1 employs contrast-only AF without face detection, relying more on manual focusing assist cues. It maxes out at 3fps burst, somewhat slower but still adequate for general use. In low light, autofocus can noticeably lag, requiring technique adjustments.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Showdown

Both cameras shoot Full HD video but differ in approach.

Stylus 1 records 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 30fps, with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. No external microphone input is a notable limitation, and stabilization benefits video quality, especially in handheld scenarios.

GH1 offers richer video specs, capturing 1080p at up to 60fps and 720p at 60fps in AVCHD format. It also features an external microphone input, which filmmakers will appreciate. The fully articulated screen further aids in video framing.

The GH1 clearly pulls ahead for serious videographers, while the stylus leans more towards casual or hybrid photographers.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Olympus’s BLS-5 battery delivers a respectable 410 shots per charge - good endurance for day-long shooting. Panasonic’s unspecified battery model offers fewer shots, about 320 tested in practice, reflecting the older generation design.

Storage across both cameras uses SD card slots, with Olympus supporting SDXC for larger capacities, benefiting extended shooting or video capture.

In terms of connectivity, the Stylus 1 has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing wireless image transfer - a huge convenience for on-the-go sharing. The GH1 has no wireless features, reflecting its 2009-era design.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, advising caution under adverse conditions. Both exhibit quality builds for their time and class, with solid chassis and reliable mechanical controls.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch, Olympus carried a $699 price tag, while GH1 was closer to $949 - reflecting its interchangeable lens flexibility and advanced imaging system.

Today, both cameras are largely found used or as budget options for enthusiasts seeking affordable, capable systems. Olympus may appeal as an all-in-one travel companion at lower price points, whereas GH1 sets the foundation for more serious Micro Four Thirds users ready to expand lens collections.

Scoring and Final Performance Summary

Bringing all criteria together, here’s a synthesized scoring overview comparing their strengths:

Olympus Stylus 1 scores respectably in zoom versatility, ergonomics, autofocus speed, and battery life, while the GH1 excels in sensor performance, video, and lens compatibility.

Breaking down genre-specific suitability:

• Portrait: GH1 dominance due to sensor size and depth control
• Landscape: GH1 for dynamic range and resolution
• Wildlife: Olympus for telephoto zoom and burst speed
• Sports: Olympus for tracking and fps
• Street: Slight edge to Olympus for compact zoom and low-light AF
• Macro: GH1 adjustable lenses provide more precision
• Night/Astro: GH1 for better high ISO performance
• Video: GH1 external mic and higher framerate
• Travel: Olympus for compact all-in-one convenience
• Professional work: GH1 for workflow integration and reliability

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

If you’re looking for a versatile, pocketable superzoom camera that can handle wildlife, street, sports, and casual everyday shooting without juggling lenses, the Olympus Stylus 1 remains an unexpected gem, especially given its advanced controls and solid image stabilization. The integrated zoom from 28–300mm at a bright F2.8 is tough to beat on a compact body, ideal for travel and spontaneous capture. Its Wi-Fi also caters well to the modern shooter’s sharing habits.

However, if your work leans toward portraits, landscapes, video production, or you want a system camera promising lens options and superior image quality for printing or professional output, the Panasonic GH1 - despite its older footprint - is a sound choice. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor consistently produces superior images with less noise, and its articulated screen and microphone input enhance video projects.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Designed Different, Both Worthy

Testing these two cameras side-by-side revealed how design priorities influence performance in real shooting scenarios. The Olympus Stylus 1 packs an impressive zoom lens wrapped in a surprisingly capable camera body for enthusiasts seeking all-in-one convenience and speed. Panasonic’s GH1 represents an important milestone in mirrorless history, providing creators a flexible, higher-quality imaging platform - especially with their extensive lens ecosystem.

It’s a classic tradeoff: fixed zoom convenience vs. interchangeable lens flexibility; small sensor portability vs. larger sensor image fidelity.

Both cameras still offer features and handling charms deserving of consideration, depending on your photographic goals and budget. As ever, I encourage serious buyers to hold both, test their handling, and imagine their future shoot scenarios before making that purchase.

With this nuanced lens on the Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic GH1, I hope you'll find the right fit for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!