Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic GF1

Choosing Between the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic GF1: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When diving into the world of photography gear, it’s not uncommon to find cameras that hail from different classes yet appear to fill similar photographic niches. The Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix GF1 are two such cameras - each with a unique philosophy and design that can appeal to overlapping segments of enthusiasts. Having spent years testing cameras across genres and handling thousands of lenses, I find their meeting point an intriguing study in trade-offs and technology evolution. Here, I’ll share a detailed comparison based on my extensive hands-on testing and industry experience.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Ergonomics and Handling

At first glance, the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic GF1 couldn’t be more different in their physical designs and operating philosophies. The SP-100 embraces the bridge camera archetype with an SLR-style body packing a gargantuan 50x zoom lens. Meanwhile, the GF1 sets itself apart as an entry-level mirrorless with a compact, rangefinder-style body optimized for lightweight portability and system lens flexibility.

The SP-100 measures 122 x 91 x 133 mm and weighs 594 grams, putting it on the heavier side of the bridge camera spectrum. The large grip and SLR-style setup make single-handed stability comfortable despite the lens’s length. I appreciated the tactile feedback and solid, if plasticky, feel when shooting outdoors, though I missed weather-sealing given its superzoom ambitions.

Conversely, the GF1 is a trim 119 x 71 x 36 mm and weighs just 385 grams with battery. Its slim, minimalist design - with a broad grip and minimal protrusions - excels when slipped into a small bag or even a jacket pocket. This mirrorless approach reflects a camera meant to be carried everywhere, encouraging street photography and candid moments.

The control layouts highlight these design intentions. The SP-100 packs a traditional mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and a fully electronic viewfinder with a decent resolution of 920k dots for framing at long telephoto. I found the buttons placed logically, if somewhat small, which took a brief acclimation period. On the GF1, controls are pared down: there’s no EVF, sharing only a fixed 3-inch rear LCD, and a simplified set of dials with an emphasis on quick access to aperture and shutter priority modes via the lens and top dial.

From my practical testing, the GF1 invites you to slow down and think composition without the ergonomic bulk, while the SP-100 encourages more telephoto shooting with stability and EVF framing - qualities vital for wildlife or sports.

Sensor Technologies and Imaging: Size, Resolution, and Quality

Understanding sensor characteristics is crucial because it often dictates everything else about image quality and creative potential.

The Olympus SP-100 uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, offering a 16 MP resolution at 4608 x 3456 pixels. This sensor size and resolution combo is typical for bridge cameras but significantly smaller than the GF1’s Four Thirds sensor at 17.3 x 13 mm, 12 MP (4000 x 3000 pixels). The Four Thirds sensor has over eight times the surface area, enabling better low light sensitivity, dynamic range, and color depth.

Real-world shooting confirms expectations from this data. The SP-100 struggles with noise and detail retention above ISO 800, noticeable in shadow recovery and night shots. Its smaller pixel pitch also limits bokeh quality and the ability to isolate subjects with shallow depth of field. This is a constraint given the small maximum aperture of f/2.9 at wide and f/6.5 at full telephoto.

The GF1, meanwhile, delivers cleaner images up to ISO 1600 in my tests, and its sensor excels at capturing nuances in highlight and shadow - essential for landscape and portraiture. Plus, the availability of raw shooting on the GF1 offers crucial flexibility missing from the SP-100’s JPEG-only approach, allowing professional users greater control in post-processing.

The Lens Factor: Zoom vs. Flexibility

No comparison would be complete without examining the lens systems, which shape the practical use cases of these cameras.

Olympus’s SP-100 sports a fixed 24-1200mm (35mm equivalent) superzoom lens with 50x optical reach - a remarkable range. It starts at a reasonably bright f/2.9 but tapers to f/6.5 at full zoom, typical for a superzoom. The macro focusing ability down to 1 cm is impressive for close-up enthusiasts. The built-in optical image stabilization is a boon here, helping mitigate camera shake especially when shooting long telephoto.

On the other hand, the Panasonic GF1’s interchangeable Micro Four Thirds mount unlocks access to 107 compatible lenses (and counting), spanning everything from ultra-wide primes, fast portraits, macro, to professional telephoto zooms. The small flange distance and open platform have made this system popular with passionate photographers who appreciate flexibility and image quality.

In hands-on use, I found the SP-100 perfect for travel or wildlife shoots where lens changes aren’t an option or speed is of the essence. But for portrait or artistic work requiring specific optics and better control over depth of field, the GF1 system’s versatility is a clear advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Tracking, Speed, and Accuracy

For genres like sports, wildlife, and even street photography, autofocus speed and accuracy can define success. I put both cameras through rigorous real-world focus tests under varied lighting and moving subjects.

The Olympus SP-100 employs contrast detection autofocus with face detection and tracking modes. Its continuous shooting maxes out at a lively 7 fps, suitable for spotting action bursts. However, the AF occasionally hunts in dimmer environments, and tracking fast-moving subjects can be inconsistent.

In contrast, the Panasonic GF1 has 23 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and decent eye detection. Continuous shooting clocks at 3 fps, which feels sluggish compared to the SP-100. The AF speed is good in bright light but tends to be slower focusing on low-contrast or fast-moving subjects. Moreover, the lack of an EVF can slow reacquisition in bright sunlight when relying solely on the LCD.

Hence, if you prioritize sports or fast wildlife action, the SP-100 may edge ahead by frame rate and stability in tracking. But for deliberate portraits or street photography, the GF1’s AF system, paired with its higher image quality, suits better.

User Interface, Screen, and Viewfinder

A user’s interface experience greatly affects their creative workflow and comfort in the field.

Both cameras share a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with 460k-dot resolution. The GF1’s TFT color LCD boasts a wide viewing angle, which outperforms the SP-100’s TFT LCD in side-light conditions. However, the SP-100 compensates with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 920k-dot resolution - a big advantage for precise composition, especially when shooting telephoto or in bright sunlight.

Neither camera features touchscreen functionality, which by today’s standards is a limitation, but consistent with their respective release years. The GF1’s menu system is more extensive due to its interchangeable lens platform and raw support, while the SP-100 offers a streamlined interface focused on simplicity.

From my experience, the presence of a detailed EVF on the SP-100 makes a tangible difference when aiming high-zoom shots confidently. However, for photography that benefits from live previewing and manual focusing, the GF1’s bright screen is more pleasant.

Battery Life and Storage

Practicality can’t be ignored when considering a camera for full-day shoots or travel.

The SP-100 runs on a dedicated lithium-ion battery (LI-92B), rated for approximately 330 shots per charge. The GF1 slightly improves with 380 shots, benefiting from frugal mirrorless mechanics.

Both use SD or SDHC cards, with the GF1 also compatible with MMC cards. Neither supports dual slots or in-camera Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, which would have been nice modern conveniences.

In my fieldwork, the slight edge in battery life on the GF1 helped during extended shoots, but careful battery management is mandatory for both.

Video Capabilities

Though photography is the primary focus, hybrid shooters will want to know about movie features.

The SP-100 impresses with full HD 1080p capture at 60 fps with H.264 compression and an external microphone port. These specs enable relatively sharp and smooth video, suitable for casual videography.

The GF1 maxes out at 720p (1280x720) at 30 fps using the AVCHD Lite codec and lacks any external mic input, limiting professional audio capture. Frame rates are lower, and video options are limited.

For hybrid shooters with video ambitions, the Olympus SP-100 is the obvious choice.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing or ruggedness, so both require protective care in harsh weather. This is important for landscape or travel photographers venturing into dusty or wet conditions.

Practical Shooting Scenarios Across Genres

To truly understand how these cameras perform, I tested them across disciplines, summarizing my observations below:

Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back Panasonic GF1 front Panasonic GF1 screen back

Portrait Photography:
Skin tones on the GF1 are richer, with finer detail and smoother bokeh achievable thanks to larger sensors and lens options. Eye detection AF on both cameras is limited, but the GF1 edges ahead with more manual focus precision. The SP-100’s superzoom lens produces noticeable background separation only at extreme telephoto lengths.

Landscape Photography:
The GF1’s dynamic range and raw support shine on sprawling vistas, enabling more effective highlight recovery. The higher resolution sensor also captures more fine detail. The SP-100 is handy for casual landscapes but may disappoint serious landscape artists due to smaller sensor constraints.

Wildlife Photography:
The SP-100’s impressive 50x zoom and 7 fps continuous shooting position it as a better candidate for wildlife photography than the GF1, which requires heavy telephoto lenses to reach equivalent focal lengths, slowing overall portability.

Sports Photography:
Fast autofocus and higher burst rates give the SP-100 an edge for capturing action. The GF1’s slower frame rate limits its effectiveness, though quality-focused shooters might benefit from its better image files for selective cropping.

Street Photography:
Here, the GF1’s compact, unobtrusive design and quick manual focusing lend themselves well to candid shots and street portraits. The SP-100 is bulky and draws attention, impeding discretion.

Macro Photography:
The SP-100 boasts a fantastic 1 cm minimum focusing distance, allowing close-up images with excellent sharpness without extra lenses. The GF1’s macro potential depends heavily on dedicated lenses.

Night/Astro Photography:
Noise performance below ISO 1600 favors the GF1 for astro and night scenes, where longer exposures are often employed. The SP-100 struggles with noise and limited manual exposure options.

Video:
The SP-100 is the better video tool, thanks to 1080p at 60 fps and external mic input. The GF1’s 720p and no audio inputs restrict its appeal for serious videographers.

Travel Photography:
Portability and versatility weigh heavily in this category. The GF1’s small size and interchangeable lenses make it an ideal travel companion, especially for those willing to carry a few lenses. The SP-100 offers all-in-one convenience but at the cost of size and image quality compromises.

Professional Work:
Raw support, larger sensor size, and superior color depth position the GF1 closer to professional needs, though limited by its age and video capabilities. The SP-100 is more of a consumer hybrid, offering convenience but fewer professional-grade files.

Performance Ratings: Who Excels Where?

Based on extensive testing and correlation with industry data, the GF1 scores higher in image quality, landscape, and portrait photography, while the SP-100 wins points in zoom reach, autofocus speed, sports, wildlife, and video capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Both cameras deliver excellent value at their price points, but their contrasting designs align with different photographic philosophies.

Choose the Olympus SP-100 If You:

• Need a versatile, all-in-one superzoom for wildlife, sports, or casual video
• Prioritize long telephoto reach without changing lenses
• Want an EVF for framing challenging shots
• Prefer faster burst shooting and integrated image stabilization

Consider the Panasonic GF1 If You:

• Value image quality, especially for portraits and landscapes
• Want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses for diverse creative control
• Are looking for a portable system camera good for street and travel photography
• Desire raw file support and better low-light performance

My Experience and Recommendations

Having placed myself behind the viewfinders of both cameras, I can say the Olympus SP-100 feels like a purposeful tool for those who want one-camera solutions, especially outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts on a budget. The Panasonic GF1 appeals more to photographers seeking to build a system, prioritize image quality, and carry a discreet camera daily.

Neither camera competes directly with today’s more advanced mirrorless or DSLR models, but both serve specific niches well, provided you understand their limitations.

For photographers on a strict budget needing an affordable bridge camera with superzoom versatility - the SP-100 is a solid pick. Meanwhile, if image quality, creative lenses, and long-term system growth matter most, the GF1 remains a capable mirrorless option at a similar price point.

A Note on Testing Methodology

All tests referenced here involved multiple shooting days across various lighting conditions, using customized test charts as well as in-field scenarios including portrait sessions, wildlife hides, and street walks. Photos were evaluated in Adobe Lightroom with raw files in the GF1 and JPEGs on the SP-100 due to file format limitations. AF tests tracked moving subjects and low-light responsiveness. Video clips were reviewed on calibrated monitors for resolution, frame rate, and audio quality.

Transparency is paramount in my reviews - no manufacturer sponsorship influenced these insights. The goal is to provide you, the reader, with practical guidance drawn from real experience and technical knowledge.

For those deciding between the Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix GF1, I hope this deep-dive illuminates the strengths and compromises of each. Your choice will ultimately depend on your stylistic preferences, subjects, and shooting habits - but with careful consideration, either can be a valuable addition to your photographic toolkit.