Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic SZ7

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic GH1 versus Panasonic SZ7, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is fairly similar but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GH1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the SZ7 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the GH1 grades versus the SZ7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH1 enjoys outside measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ7 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH1 versus Panasonic SZ7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the GH1 versus the SZ7.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GH1 and SZ7 is 81 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by going over a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH1 and SZ7.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GH1 using its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic SZ7 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older GH1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.