Canon SX210 IS vs Olympus E-PM1

Below is a in depth analysis of the Canon SX210 IS versus Olympus E-PM1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Olympus. The resolution of the SX210 IS (14MP) and the E-PM1 (12MP) is very comparable but the SX210 IS (1/2.3") and E-PM1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor size.

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The SX210 IS was brought out 17 months before the E-PM1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX210 IS being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SX210 IS scores versus the E-PM1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Olympus PEN E-PM1. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX210 IS Gallery and Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX210 IS provides outside dimensions of 103mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 220 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Olympus E-PM1 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX210 IS versus Olympus E-PM1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SX210 IS and the E-PM1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX210 IS and E-PM1 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by going through technical specs. The visual underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX210 IS and E-PM1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX210 IS because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Canon SX210 IS will produce greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The older SX210 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.