Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic ZS10

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic GH1 and Panasonic ZS10, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the ZS10 (14MP) is very well matched but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and ZS10 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The GH1 was announced 18 months before the ZS10 making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the GH1 grades versus the ZS10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH1 offers outside dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH1 and Panasonic ZS10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the GH1 vs the ZS10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the GH1 and ZS10 is 81 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH1 and ZS10.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GH1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS10 will give extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged GH1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.