Olympus 1 vs Panasonic GM1

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GM1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and GM1 (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and GM1 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 1 was launched very close to the GM1 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the 1 grades versus the GM1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery and Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1 comes with external dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Panasonic GM1 has dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus 1 and Panasonic GM1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 against the GM1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and GM1 is 79 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The graphic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 and GM1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic GM1 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively.