Olympus 1 vs Panasonic SZ1

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the 1 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the 1 (1/1.7") and SZ1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 was brought out 23 months later than the SZ1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the 1 grades vs the SZ1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus 1 comes with exterior measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the 1 against the SZ1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 1 and SZ1 is 79 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 and SZ1.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ1 will result in extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer 1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.