Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GM1

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic GM1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and GM1 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizing.

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The FH1 was brought out 5 years earlier than the GM1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FH1 grades vs the GM1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH1 has outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has sizing of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH1 versus Panasonic GM1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the FH1 compared to the GM1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and GM1 is 95 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through technical specs. The visual here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and GM1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FH1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic GM1 will show more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The older FH1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.