Olympus FE-45 vs Olympus E-PM1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus FE-45 vs Olympus E-PM1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the FE-45 (10MP) and the E-PM1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the FE-45 (1/2.3") and E-PM1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FE-45 was brought out 3 years prior to the E-PM1 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-45 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FE-45 scores against the E-PM1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-45 & Olympus PEN E-PM1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-45 Gallery & Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-45 offers outside dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Olympus E-PM1 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-45 vs Olympus E-PM1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FE-45 against the E-PM1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-45 and E-PM1 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading through technical specs. The pic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-45 and E-PM1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FE-45 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Olympus E-PM1 will resolve extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FE-45 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.