Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic GF5

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic GF5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is relatively similar but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and GF5 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-1 was introduced 14 months earlier than the GF5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the XZ-1 matches up vs the GF5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-1 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic GF5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 against the GF5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and GF5 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and GF5.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GF5 will offer you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.