Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GH3

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus 1 versus Panasonic GH3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and GH3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 1 was brought out 15 months after the GH3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the 1 grades versus the GH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus 1 enjoys outer measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Panasonic GH3 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 1 versus Panasonic GH3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 compared to the GH3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the 1 and GH3 is 79 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and GH3.

Clearly, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH3 will give extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern 1 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.