Leica M11 vs Olympus E-PL1

Following is a complete analysis of the Leica M11 and Olympus E-PL1, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Olympus. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the M11 (60MP) and E-PL1 (12MP) and the M11 (Full frame) and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The M11 was unveiled 11 years after the E-PL1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the M11 grades against the E-PL1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M11 & Olympus PEN E-PL1. The full galleries are provided at Leica M11 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica M11 has exterior measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 39mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 640 grams (1.41 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL1 has sizing of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M11 and Olympus E-PL1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the M11 vs the E-PL1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M11 and E-PL1 is 76 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching specs. The picture underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the M11 and E-PL1.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M11 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Leica M11 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 48MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more recent M11 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.