Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic GF1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus 7040 versus Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 7040 (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is very well matched but the 7040 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizes.

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The 7040 was revealed 3 months later than the GF1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a short view of how the 7040 matches up against the GF1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus 7040 offers outside measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 7040 versus Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the 7040 and the GF1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the 7040 and GF1 is 95 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The graphic here should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 7040 and GF1.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 7040 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Olympus 7040 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively.