Canon M vs Olympus E-PL6

Its time to take a closer look at the Canon M and Olympus E-PL6, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the M (18MP) and the E-PL6 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the M (APS-C) and E-PL6 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor size.

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The M was brought out 24 months prior to the E-PL6 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the M grades vs the E-PL6 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS M and Olympus PEN E-PL6. The entire galleries are provided at Canon M Gallery and Olympus E-PL6 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Canon M has got outside measurements of 109mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL6 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Compare the Canon M and Olympus E-PL6 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the M vs the E-PL6.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the M and E-PL6 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The visual below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the M and E-PL6.

Plainly, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Canon M will give you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older M is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.