Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic L1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-500 and Panasonic L1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-500 (8MP) and the L1 (7MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-500 was manufactured 17 months earlier than the L1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-500 scores versus the L1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Panasonic L1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 features outside measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Panasonic L1 has sizing of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-500 and Panasonic L1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-500 compared to the L1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-500 and L1 is 70 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specs. The graphic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and L1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can expect the Olympus E-500 to provide more detail due to its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-500 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.