Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS7

The following is a extended overview of the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic ZS7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is fairly close but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF1 was launched 21 months prior to the ZS7 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short introduction of how the GF1 grades against the ZS7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 provides physical measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS7 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF1 and Panasonic ZS7 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the GF1 and the ZS7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and ZS7 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by researching specs. The picture below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and ZS7.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor dimensions. The GF1 uses the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier. The more aged GF1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.