Canon G7 X vs Olympus E-PL1

On this page, we are evaluating the Canon G7 X and Olympus E-PL1, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Olympus. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the G7 X (20MP) and E-PL1 (12MP) and the G7 X (1") and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The G7 X was revealed 4 years later than the E-PL1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon G7 X being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the G7 X scores against the E-PL1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G7 X and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The full galleries are provided at Canon G7 X Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon G7 X provides outside measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 40mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 304 grams (0.67 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1 has measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Canon G7 X and Olympus E-PL1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the G7 X and the E-PL1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G7 X and E-PL1 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the G7 X and E-PL1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The G7 X with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Canon G7 X will produce extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The younger G7 X is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.