Olympus 1s vs Panasonic GH3

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus 1s and Panasonic GH3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and GH3 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizes.

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The 1s was introduced 2 years later than the GH3 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the 1s matches up vs the GH3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1s has got exterior 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 measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1s and Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1s and the GH3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1s and GH3 is 79 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading specs. The photograph below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and GH3.

All in all, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1s using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH3 will offer more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more modern 1s should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.