Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic GF1

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic GF1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was released 4 years later than the GF1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SP-100 matches up versus the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 has exterior dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic GF1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-100 against the GF1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and GF1 is 63 and 85 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading specifications. The visual underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and GF1.

Plainly, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-100 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus SP-100 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more modern SP-100 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.