Olympus E-1 vs Olympus E-PM1

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus E-1 versus Olympus E-PM1, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are designed by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and E-PM1 (12MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was released 9 years earlier than the E-PM1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-1 grades vs the E-PM1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-1 & Olympus PEN E-PM1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-1 features outer measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) while the Olympus E-PM1 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-1 versus Olympus E-PM1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-1 versus the E-PM1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-1 and E-PM1 is 59 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-1 and E-PM1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Olympus E-PM1 to produce extra detail as a result of its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older E-1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.