Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic SZ8

The following is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic SZ8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was introduced 5 years prior to the SZ8 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the GF1 grades against the SZ8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 has got outer measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the GF1 against the SZ8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out technical specs. The picture below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and SZ8.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GF1 with its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GF1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.