Olympus FE-47 vs Olympus E-PL1

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus FE-47 versus Olympus E-PL1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the FE-47 (14MP) and the E-PL1 (12MP) is fairly similar but the FE-47 (1/2.3") and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FE-47 was brought out 4 months before the E-PL1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-47 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FE-47 grades versus the E-PL1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-47 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-47 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-47 enjoys exterior measurements of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1 has proportions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Olympus FE-47 versus Olympus E-PL1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the FE-47 vs the E-PL1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-47 and E-PL1 is 93 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-47 and E-PL1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FE-47 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus FE-47 will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a good deal more aggressively.