Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GM1

Following is a detailed review of the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GM1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and GM1 (16MP) and the 550WP (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor size.

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The 550WP was brought out 6 years prior to the GM1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the 550WP matches up versus the GM1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus 550WP comes with external dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has sizing of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GM1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the 550WP and the GM1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and GM1 is 94 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The picture below may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 550WP and GM1.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 550WP due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GM1 will give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged 550WP is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.