Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-M1

Lets look closer at the Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-M1, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Leica and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the M-E Typ 220 (18MP) and the E-M1 (16MP) is very well matched but the M-E Typ 220 (Full frame) and E-M1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The M-E Typ 220 was brought out 13 months earlier than the E-M1 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Leica M-E Typ 220 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the M-E Typ 220 matches up versus the E-M1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M-E Typ 220 and Olympus OM-D E-M1. The entire galleries are available at Leica M-E Typ 220 Gallery and Olympus E-M1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Leica M-E Typ 220 offers outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) while the Olympus E-M1 has measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus E-M1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the M-E Typ 220 and the E-M1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the M-E Typ 220 and E-M1 is 79 and 71 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the M-E Typ 220 and E-M1.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M-E Typ 220 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Leica M-E Typ 220 will resolve extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The older M-E Typ 220 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.