Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic GF3

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic GF3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and GF3 (12MP) and the SH-1 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor measurements.

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The SH-1 was unveiled 2 years later than the GF3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SH-1 matches up versus the GF3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-1 offers outside measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic GF3 has measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic GF3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the SH-1 vs the GF3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and GF3 is 88 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by checking out specs. The visual underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and GF3.

All in all, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-1 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus SH-1 will provide extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent SH-1 should have a benefit in sensor technology.