Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic LF1

Following is a extended review of the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic LF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor size.

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The SP-100 was launched 3 months after the LF1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short view of how the SP-100 scores versus the LF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 features outside dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic LF1 has dimensions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-100 versus Panasonic LF1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-100 against the LF1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and LF1 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by viewing specifications. The pic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and LF1.

Plainly, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-100 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus SP-100 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively.