Panasonic FH7 vs Panasonic GF1

Here is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic FH7 and Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the FH7 (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the FH7 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH7 was brought out 24 months later than the GF1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise view of how the FH7 matches up vs the GF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH7 has got outside dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH7 and Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the FH7 vs the GF1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FH7 and GF1 is 96 and 85 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FH7 and GF1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH7 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FH7 will resolve more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern FH7 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.