Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GH2

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GH2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and GH2 (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and GH2 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1 was introduced 2 years later than the GH2 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the 1 matches up vs the GH2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus 1 offers outside measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH2 has specifications of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

See the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GH2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 against the GH2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and GH2 is 79 and 70 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking specifications. The visual below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and GH2.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH2 will give more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer 1 will have a benefit in sensor technology.