Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic GF1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is very similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and GF1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was announced 16 months later than the GF1 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the XZ-1 grades vs the GF1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 offers physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 versus the GF1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and GF1 is 88 and 85 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the XZ-1 and GF1.

Plainly, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF1 will deliver greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher XZ-1 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.