Olympus 6000 vs Panasonic GF1

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus 6000 and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 6000 (10MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the 6000 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 6000 was released 3 months earlier than the GF1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 6000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the 6000 grades versus the GF1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 6000 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 6000 features outside dimensions of 95mm x 63mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.5" x 0.9") and a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 6000 and Panasonic GF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the 6000 vs the GF1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 6000 and GF1 is 94 and 85 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading a spec sheet. The visual here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 6000 and GF1.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 6000 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic GF1 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively.