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Canon D60 vs Panasonic GF1

The Canon EOS-D60 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2002 and September 2009. The D60 is a DSLR, while the GF1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D60) and a Four Thirds (GF1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 6.3 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon D60
versus
Panasonic GF1
Canon D60   Panasonic GF1
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
6.3 MP – APS-C sensor 12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-1,000 ISO 100-3,200
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
1.8" LCD – 114k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
620 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
150 x 107 x 75 mm, 855 g 119 x 71 x 36 mm, 385 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-D60 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon D60 and the Panasonic GF1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon D60 vs Panasonic GF1
Compare D60 versus GF1 top
Comparison D60 or GF1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GF1 is considerably smaller (47 percent) than the Canon D60. Moreover, the GF1 is substantially lighter (55 percent) than the D60. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D60 nor the GF1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (D60) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GF1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GF1, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D60 gets 620 shots out of its Canon BP-511 battery, while the GF1 can take 380 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLB13 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon D60 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 855 g 620 n Feb 2002 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon XC10 125 mm 102 mm 122 mm 1040 g 370 n Apr 2015 2,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 30D 144 mm 106 mm 74 mm 785 g 750 n Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
10.
 
Canon D30 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 750 g 540 n May 2000 2,999ebay.com
11.
 
Contax N Digital 152 mm 138 mm 80 mm 990 g 100 n Feb 2002 7,399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GF1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the D60, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon D60 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GF1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GF1 is 34 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 2.0. The sensor in the D60 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GF1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon D60 and Panasonic GF1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the GF1 offers a higher resolution of 12 megapixels, compared with 6.3 MP of the D60. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.33μm versus 7.38μm for the D60). However, it should be noted that the GF1 is much more recent (by 7 years and 6 months) than the D60, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic GF1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GF1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon D60 are 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inches or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-D60 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D60 versus GF1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon D60 APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none20.39.830147
2.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
3.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
4.
 
Canon XC10 1-inch 12.0 4000 30004K/30p21.711.819761
5.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
6.
 
Canon 30D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.510.873659
7.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
8.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
9.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
10.
 
Canon D30 APS-C 3.1 2160 1440none........
11.
 
Contax N Digital Full Frame 6.1 3040 2008none21.510.5128359
12.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
13.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
14.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
15.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
16.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
17.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The GF1 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D60 does not. The highest resolution format that the GF1 can use is 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D60 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GF1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the GF1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DMW-LVF1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon D60 and Panasonic GF1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon D60optical Y1.8 / 114 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon XC10none n3.0 / 1030 tilting Y 1/2000s 3.8/s n Y
5.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 30Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
10.
 
Canon D30optical Y1.8 / 114 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Contax N Digitaloptical Y2.0 / 200 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the D60, but is missing on the GF1 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The D60 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the GF1 uses SDHC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-D60 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon D60Y- / ----1.1---
2.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon XC10Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Canon 30DY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
8.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
9.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
10.
 
Canon D30Y- / ----1.0---
11.
 
Contax N DigitalY- / ----FW---
12.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
13.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon D60 (unlike the GF1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D60 and the GF1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D60 was replaced by the Canon 10D, while the GF1 was followed by the Panasonic DMC-GF2. Further information on the features and operation of the D60 and GF1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon D60 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GF1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon D60 or the Panasonic GF1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS-D60:

  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (620 versus 380) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2002).

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (12 vs 6.3MP), which boosts linear resolution by 35%.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 114k dots).
  • More compact: Is smaller (119x71mm vs 150x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 470g or 55 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D60 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GF1 is the clear winner of the contest (10 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D60 05:10 GF1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon D60 and the Panasonic GF1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D60 and the GF1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon D60......+ +o.. Feb 2002 2,999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 449 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon XC10......80/100.... Apr 2015 2,499ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 30D..+ +..+ +o.. Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
10.
 
Canon D30......+ +.... May 2000 2,999ebay.com
11.
 
Contax N Digital............ Feb 2002 7,399ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon D60 vs Panasonic GF1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2002 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 2,999 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.7 x 15.1 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 342.77 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.3 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 6.3 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3072 x 2048 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.38 μm 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 1.84 MP/cm2 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,000 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 54
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 513
    Screen Specs Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.54x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 1.8inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 114k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 1.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon D60 Panasonic GF1
    Battery Type Canon BP-511 Panasonic DMW-BLB13
    Battery Life (CIPA)620 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 150 x 107 x 75 mm
    (5.9 x 4.2 x 3.0 in)
    119 x 71 x 36 mm
    (4.7 x 2.8 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 855 g (30.2 oz) 385 g (13.6 oz)
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