Olympus E-500 vs Olympus E-M1

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-M1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and E-M1 (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-500 was launched 9 years prior to the E-M1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-500 matches up vs the E-M1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-500 & Olympus OM-D E-M1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Olympus E-M1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 has external measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Olympus E-M1 has sizing of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus E-M1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-500 versus the E-M1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-500 and E-M1 is 70 and 71 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The pic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and E-M1.

As you have seen, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can expect the Olympus E-M1 to offer more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-500 is going to be behind in sensor technology.