Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GX7

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GX7, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and GX7 (16MP) and the 550WP (1/2.3") and GX7 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 550WP was unveiled 5 years earlier than the GX7 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 550WP scores against the GX7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic GX7 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP has exterior measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Panasonic GX7 has dimensions of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") and a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GX7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the 550WP compared to the GX7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and GX7 is 94 and 81 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching technical specs. The image below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 550WP and GX7.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 550WP having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic GX7 will render greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged 550WP will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.