Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic GH1

Its time to look closer at the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic GH1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and GH1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-100 was announced 4 years after the GH1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SP-100 grades vs the GH1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 enjoys outside dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Panasonic GH1 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic GH1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SP-100 against the GH1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and GH1 is 63 and 81 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The picture below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and GH1.

Plainly, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SP-100 using its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Olympus SP-100 will resolve greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern SP-100 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.