Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-P1

The following is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-P1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the E-P1 (12MP) is very close and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-420 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the E-P1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-420 grades against the E-P1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-420 & Olympus PEN E-P1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Olympus E-P1 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-420 has exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P1 has sizing of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-P1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-420 against the E-P1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and E-P1 is 77 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by viewing specs. The image below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and E-P1.

All in all, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Olympus E-P1 to render greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.