Olympus 8000 vs Panasonic GM1

Below is a complete review of the Olympus 8000 versus Panasonic GM1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the 8000 (12MP) and GM1 (16MP) and the 8000 (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizes.

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The 8000 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the GM1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 8000 scores versus the GM1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus 8000 Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus 8000 provides exterior dimensions of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has specifications of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus 8000 versus Panasonic GM1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the 8000 and the GM1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the 8000 and GM1 is 94 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the 8000 and GM1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 8000 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GM1 will render extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older 8000 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.