Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS35

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic GF1 versus Panasonic ZS35, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and ZS35 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and ZS35 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was introduced 5 years before the ZS35 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the GF1 matches up vs the ZS35 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS35 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 features outside measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS35 has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF1 versus Panasonic ZS35 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the GF1 and the ZS35.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and ZS35 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The visual here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and ZS35.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GF1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS35 will produce greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older GF1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.