Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic SZ1

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic SZ1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was brought out 3 years earlier than the SZ1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the GF1 scores vs the SZ1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF1 has got physical dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic SZ1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the GF1 versus the SZ1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and SZ1 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF1 and SZ1.

Clearly, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GF1 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will offer you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.