Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GF3

Let's look much closer at the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GF3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is very comparable but the 550WP (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 550WP was introduced 3 years prior to the GF3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the 550WP grades vs the GF3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 550WP features external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has proportions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the 550WP compared to the GF3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 550WP and GF3 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 550WP and GF3.

Plainly, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 550WP having a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic GF3 will provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged 550WP will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.