Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS1

Following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic ZS1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is pretty close but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") use different sensor sizes.

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The GF1 was manufactured 6 months after the ZS1 so they are of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the GF1 scores versus the ZS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 has got outside dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic ZS1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the GF1 and the ZS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and ZS1 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The image here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF1 and ZS1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GF1 will result in greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively.