Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic SZ7

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GM1 versus Panasonic SZ7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GM1 (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the GM1 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The GM1 was unveiled 24 months after the SZ7 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the GM1 matches up against the SZ7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GM1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GM1 offers outer dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ7 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GM1 versus Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the GM1 compared to the SZ7.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the GM1 and SZ7 is 93 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM1 and SZ7.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GM1 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GM1 will give you more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern GM1 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.