Olympus E-5 vs Olympus E-P1

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-5 and Olympus E-P1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the E-P1 (12MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-5 was unveiled 19 months later than the E-P1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-5 grades versus the E-P1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 and Olympus PEN E-P1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Olympus E-P1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-5 comes with exterior dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P1 has proportions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-5 and Olympus E-P1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-5 against the E-P1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and E-P1 is 58 and 86 respectively.

Usually, its hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and E-P1.

All in all, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same exact MP so you should expect comparable quality of photographs although you will want to take the release date of the cameras into account. The fresher E-5 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.