Panasonic FH7 vs YI M1

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FH7 and YI M1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and YI. The resolution of the FH7 (16MP) and the M1 (20MP) is fairly close but the FH7 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FH7 was announced 6 years earlier than the M1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the FH7 matches up versus the M1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 & YI M1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH7 Gallery & YI M1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FH7 offers external measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the YI M1 has specifications of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH7 and YI M1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the FH7 vs the M1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FH7 and M1 is 96 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FH7 and M1.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH7 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the YI M1 will render more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older FH7 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.