Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic GX1

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic GX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and GX1 (16MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and GX1 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor sizing.

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The XZ-1 was unveiled 12 months prior to the GX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the GX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The full galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 has outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) while the Panasonic GX1 has dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic GX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the XZ-1 versus the GX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and GX1 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The photograph here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and GX1.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic GX1 will resolve greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.