Olympus 1 vs Panasonic SZ7

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively close but the 1 (1/1.7") and SZ7 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

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The 1 was released 23 months later than the SZ7 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the 1 grades versus the SZ7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus 1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus 1 offers physical dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus 1 and Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 versus the SZ7.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 and SZ7 is 79 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 and SZ7.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ7 will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more recent 1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.