Panasonic GF1 vs Sony H55

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic GF1 versus Sony H55, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the H55 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and H55 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was announced 8 months earlier than the H55 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony H55 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise overview of how the GF1 matches up versus the H55 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Sony H55 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 offers outside 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) whilst the Sony H55 has dimensions of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF1 versus Sony H55 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the GF1 compared to the H55.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and H55 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The pic here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and H55.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF1 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony H55 will produce more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged GF1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.