Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic G1

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic G1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the G1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and G1 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was revealed 2 years after the G1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the XZ-1 scores vs the G1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic G1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic G1 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") and a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic G1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the XZ-1 and the G1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and G1 is 88 and 82 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The picture underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and G1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XZ-1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic G1 will deliver more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The newer XZ-1 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.