Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic GF8

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic GF8, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is pretty similar but the SH-1 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-1 was manufactured 22 months before the GF8 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-1 scores versus the GF8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-1 offers outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic GF8 has dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic GF8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SH-1 and the GF8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and GF8 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading a spec sheet. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and GF8.

As you can see, both the cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The SH-1 has got the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field trickier. The more aged SH-1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.