Panasonic G1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic SZ8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

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The G1 was released 6 years prior to the SZ8 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the G1 matches up versus the SZ8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic G1 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic G1 and Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the G1 compared to the SZ8.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the G1 and SZ8 is 82 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the G1 and SZ8.

To sum up, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G1 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic SZ8 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older G1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.