Olympus E-450 vs Olympus E-PL1

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-450 versus Olympus E-PL1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-450 (10MP) and the E-PL1 (12MP) is very similar and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-450 was released 13 months prior to the E-PL1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-450 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the E-450 scores against the E-PL1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-450 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-450 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-450 provides external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1 has specifications of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Olympus E-450 versus Olympus E-PL1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-450 against the E-PL1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-450 and E-PL1 is 77 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-450 and E-PL1.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should expect to see the Olympus E-PL1 to offer you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-450 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.