Olympus E-1 vs Ricoh G900

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus E-1 and Ricoh G900, one being a Pro DSLR and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and G900 (20MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and G900 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

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The E-1 was launched 15 years before the G900 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Ricoh G900 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-1 grades vs the G900 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-1 and Ricoh G900. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Ricoh G900 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-1 features physical dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") and a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) whilst the Ricoh G900 has measurements of 118mm x 66mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-1 and Ricoh G900 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-1 vs the G900.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and G900 is 59 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and G900.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-1 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Ricoh G900 will give more detail utilizing its extra 15MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.