What is the percentage area size difference between a 4/3 a full SLR sensor and a point and shoot?.  How important is the sensor size, given the higher pixel counts advertised when enlarging?

My understanding is that a micro 4/3 sensor is about 9 times bigger than a point and shoot.   I spent a lot of time shooting with a Panasonic TZ1, and I still love it (great zoom capability that fits in a coat pocket).  What I've noticed most since I began using a GF1 is that the bigger sensor in the GF1 gives me less noise (blue graininess), MUCH less, when shooting in low light.  That, combined with electronic anti-shake on the zoom lenses has given me hand-held results at around nightfall that continue to amaze me.  In bright daylight, either camera gives great results.  I'm attaching a few GF1 examples (all hand-held).

John & Rod, thanks for the info, I appreciate it. 

I too value having good glass and the lens on my point and shoot Pan. FZ10 is a pretty good lens (Leica) for this type of camera.

Even though it has a small sensor, I am able to get some great night shots.  I don't know how, or I would have posted a couple here.

I'm debating a 4/3 or a full size sensor camera for my next because I really miss the shallow depth of field I had with SLRs.

Thanks, DeeDee, The renting route is expensive.  Too add to the choices, there is also standard 4/3 SLRs in addition to the micro 4/3s that are , ILC (interchangeable lens cameras).  Glad to hear that that the GF1 ILC has a shallower DOF.

Sep 30, 2010 -- 12:57PM, dduck wrote:

John & Rod, thanks for the info, I appreciate it. 

I too value having good glass and the lens on my point and shoot Pan. FZ10 is a pretty good lens (Leica) for this type of camera.

Even though it has a small sensor, I am able to get some great night shots.  I don't know how, or I would have posted a couple here.

I'm debating a 4/3 or a full size sensor camera for my next because I really miss the shallow depth of field I had with SLRs.

 

dduck upload the pictures you want for a forum on your profile page.  When you post on a forum at the bottom of the page it will ask if you want to upload a photo or video with your text.  When you choose upload photo it opens a page with your previously uploaded photos. We make a folder labeled forum pictures so they are easier to retrieve from our collection. Click on the picture or pictures you want and they will be added to your forum. Hope this helps.