Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Olympus PEN E-P1: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When Olympus launched the PEN E-P1 back in 2009, it stirred the mirrorless world with its sleek rangefinder-style design and a modest but capable Micro Four Thirds sensor. Fast forward seven years, and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II arrived as a bold, professional-oriented mirrorless system boasting bleeding-edge performance and robust ergonomics. Comparing these two cameras is like pitting classical elegance against modern muscle, tradition against innovation, beginner appeal against professional versatility.

Having spent hundreds of hours with both cameras on diverse shoots - from intimate portraits to rugged wildlife expeditions - I want to walk you through their key differences, strengths, and compromises. Whether you’re hunting for a highly portable travel companion or a serious workhorse, this detailed comparison will empower your decision-making by blending technical insights with real-world usability.

Getting a Feel for Size, Weight, and Handling

First impressions matter, especially in ergonomics, and here the E-M1 Mark II’s SLR-style build immediately feels more purposeful for extensive shooting. At 574 grams and fairly dense (134 x 91 x 67mm), it offers a substantial handgrip with tactile dials and an intuitive button layout that supports swift in-field adjustments. The PEN E-P1, by comparison, is a petite 355 grams and noticeably more compact (121 x 70 x 36mm), befitting its rangefinder styling and appeal to street photographers or minimalists.

I found the E-M1 II’s size a boon when mounting heavier lenses - its grip reduces fatigue, and the physical controls make manual tweaking easy, even with gloves. The PEN E-P1’s slim frame shines during casual walks or quick snaps, slipping unobtrusively into smaller bags. Yet, its compactness comes at the expense of some ergonomic finesse; the scaled-down button real estate and lack of a dedicated grip occasionally feel fiddly during longer or more dynamic shoots.

So, size and handling set the stage for each camera’s target user: robust pro use for the E-M1 II and casual, elegant shooting for the PEN.

Control Layout and Top-Down Usability

Examining the cameras’ top panels, Olympus clearly geared the E-M1 Mark II towards intensive, professional workflows. Dual front and rear control dials, a top LCD panel, and an array of customizable buttons offer quick access to essential parameters like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and drive modes.

The PEN E-P1 keeps things minimal with a single dial and fewer buttons, catering to novice or enthusiast users who prioritize simplicity over exhaustive controls. Interestingly, despite the PEN lacking a dedicated electronic viewfinder, it does sport a rear 3-inch LCD useful for composing but limited by its low 230k-dot resolution and fixed angle.

In contrast, the E-M1 Mark II shines with a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen at a sharp 1,037k-dot resolution, significantly improving composition flexibility and menu navigation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras share Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds sensor format, measuring approximately 17.3 x 13mm, but beyond the diagonal similarity, the sensor evolution over seven years is stark.

The PEN E-P1 has a 12.3MP sensor with an anti-aliasing filter - a common design at launch to reduce moiré but at some resolution cost. Its Dynaxometric Range rating from DxOMark sits at 10.4 EV, with a color depth of 21.4 bits and a low-light ISO threshold of 536. These specs highlight respectable image quality for its time but with noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 800.

The E-M1 Mark II boasts a much refined 20.4MP sensor with no AA filter, bringing sharper results and richer detail. Its DxOMark scores of 12.8 EV dynamic range, 23.7 bits color depth, and a low-light capability up to ISO 1312 indicate superior performance across the board - especially in challenging lighting.

Real-world testing confirmed this: landscapes rendered by the E-M1 II reveal finer textures and greater tonal gradation, while the PEN’s images sometimes exhibit softness and lower contrast. Moreover, its limitation at higher ISOs make the former better suited for demanding scenarios like night photography or indoor action.

Viewing Experience: Finders and Screens Explored

One area where the OM-D E-M1 Mark II visibly outclasses the PEN E-P1 is in viewing versatility. The E-M1 II offers a bright 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification - excellent for precise framing and clarity, even in bright ambient light. Coupled with its fully articulating high-res touchscreen, it supports a variety of shooting angles and tactile focusing.

The PEN E-P1 lacks an EVF entirely, relying solely on its fixed, relatively low-res rear screen. While the HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating aided outdoor visibility somewhat, the lack of articulation confines compositional freedom, particularly in street or macro photography where unconventional angles matter.

For photographers valuing framing precision, especially under challenging light, the E-M1 II’s advanced viewing setup adds tangible benefits.

Autofocus System: Precision vs Simplicity

A decisive differentiator between these two models is autofocus technology and its impact on responsiveness. The E-M1 Mark II sports a hybrid AF system combining contrast detection with 121 hybrid phase-detection points, enabling rapid and accurate focus acquisition and tracking - even during fast-moving events. It supports comprehensive face and eye detection AF, enhancing portrait work, and continuous AF tracking for wildlife and sports action. The burst shooting speed of up to 60 fps (though with electronic shutter caveats) further confirms this camera's focus on speed.

Conversely, the PEN E-P1 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with a mere 11 focus points, lacking phase-detection. This leads to comparatively slower and less reliable focus lock, especially in low light or when tracking moving subjects. This also impacts continuous autofocus during video, which feels sluggish and less precise.

For portrait photographers who prioritize eye AF and action shooters chasing decisive moments, the E-M1 II's advanced focusing architecture is a game-changer.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance

Burst shooting tests are often enlightening - and here the E-M1 Mark II flexes its muscles with an impressive 60 frames per second maximum continuous shooting using the electronic shutter, or a still fast 15 fps mechanical shutter rate. This capability is ideal for sports, wildlife, or any high-speed capture scenario where timing is critical.

The PEN E-P1, designed in an earlier era, maxes out at a modest 3 fps burst rate, which suits leisurely shooting but falls short of action demands. Its shutter speed range also caps at 1/4000s compared to the E-M1 II’s 1/8000s mechanical, and an astounding 1/32000s electronic shutter speed unlocking possibilities like shooting wide apertures in bright light.

This disparity makes the E-M1 II far more flexible for professional and adventurous shooters.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Weather resistance is often overlooked until a lens fogs up on a rainy hike or desert dust threatens gear longevity. The Olympus E-M1 Mark II comes with rugged magnesium alloy body construction and robust environmental sealing rated for dust and splash resistance. While not fully waterproof or shockproof, it handles demanding outdoor conditions with confidence.

The E-P1, while solidly built for its time, offers no official weather sealing or environmental protections, making it more vulnerable to adverse elements. It suits indoor or fair-weather settings but risks damage outdoors.

Outdoor photographers and travel shooters requiring reliability will appreciate the E-M1 II’s ruggedness.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Interestingly, both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, granting access to an extensive and mature lens lineup - over 100 lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialist optics by Olympus and third-party manufacturers.

While the PEN E-P1 can certainly tap into this broad ecosystem, the E-M1 II’s higher resolution and enhanced sensor technologies benefit more from faster, sharper lenses or newer optically stabilized primes. The E-M1 II additionally offers in-body 5-axis image stabilization, dramatically improving handheld shooting with longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The PEN E-P1 does have sensor stabilization, but it's less sophisticated, limiting hand-shake displacement corrections.

For macro photographers or wildlife enthusiasts needing sharpness and stabilization, the E-M1 II’s improvements here are well worth noting.

Video Shooting Capabilities

Video is a domain where technological leaps are especially visible between these models. The E-M1 Mark II supports 4K UHD recording at 30p and even DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p, encoded in H.264 with high bitrates (up to 237 Mbps), offering cinematic-quality footage. It packs microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio control, plus a fully articulating screen enabling vlogging or difficult angle shooting. Combined with in-body stabilization, video shooters get smooth, versatile footage.

The PEN E-P1’s video support tops out at 720p HD at 30 fps using Motion JPEG compression - a format that consumes much space and compromises quality. Audio recording capabilities are limited without microphone input, and no stabilization in video mode adds to handheld shakiness.

If video is in your toolkit, the E-M1 II delivers a far richer feature set.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Cycling through outdoor sessions, I found the E-M1 Mark II’s battery (BLH-1) lasted around 350 shots per charge, which is solid for a high-performance mirrorless system. It supports dual SD card slots, a boon for professional workflows requiring backup or extended storage.

The PEN E-P1’s battery life is comparable but slightly shorter (~300 shots), and it only has a single SD/SDHC card slot. This limitation may induce more frequent card swaps for extended trips.

While neither camera will win marathons, the E-M1 II’s dual slots and marginally better endurance favor serious photographers and busy workflows.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern camera convenience extends beyond optics, and here the E-M1 Mark II includes built-in Wi-Fi for direct image transfer, remote control, and geo-tagging support through paired devices. USB 3.0 boosts tethering and transfer speeds.

The PEN E-P1, emerging before crowded connectivity became standard, lacks wireless features entirely and only supports USB 2.0 tethering. For today's workflows, this can be restrictive.

For professional and creative flexibility, the E-M1 II stays current.

Value Assessment and Price Considerations

Pricing reflects the cameras' eras and target buyers. The Olympus PEN E-P1 hovers around $181 secondhand, making it an affordable entry point to MFT mirrorless - attractive for casual shooters, hobbyists, or collectors.

The Olympus E-M1 Mark II, priced new around $1700, caters to demanding enthusiasts and professionals needing speed, features, and durability in the 2020s photography climate.

The question isn't just price but value for purpose. The older PEN is a charming, capable camera for occasional, well-lit shooting with strong design heritage. The E-M1 II is a versatile, battle-ready system poised for multiple photographic disciplines.

How These Cameras Serve Different Photography Genres

Let’s consider how both cameras excel or fall short across photography genres:

• Portraits: The E-M1 Mark II’s eye autofocus, superior dynamic range, and high-resolution EVF give it the edge for skin tone rendering and controlled bokeh effects. The PEN’s softer images and slower AF limit portrait quality but may suffice for casual snapshots.

• Landscapes: Resolution and dynamic range advantage lands with the E-M1 II for capturing detailed vistas and subtle tonal shifts. Weather sealing lets you shoot in inclement weather. The PEN is less flexible outdoors.

• Wildlife: The Mark II’s rapid burst rate, accurate AF tracking, and stabilization make it a clear winner for elusive subjects. The PEN struggles with speed and focus.

• Sports: Similar story - high fps and tracking on the E-M1 II dominate; the PEN cannot keep pace.

• Street: The PEN’s compact size, discreet styling, and quieter operation can appeal in urban environments. The E-M1 II’s bulk is a plus or minus depending on style.

• Macro: Stabilization and focus bracketing on E-M1 II enhance close-up work considerably over the PEN.

• Night / Astro: Superior high ISO and dynamic range on E-M1 II translate into cleaner, more detailed low-light captures.

• Video: See previous notes; the E-M1 II is by far superior.

• Travel: The PEN’s portability and simplicity suit casual travel. The E-M1 II’s versatility and durability serve extended, challenging voyages better.

• Professional Work: The E-M1 II’s dual slots, ruggedness, raw support, and connectivity make it ready for demanding assignments; the PEN is more a creative amateur platform.

Real-World Image Samples

Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back

Comparing JPEG and raw-processed files from both cameras side by side further illustrates their divergence in sharpness, dynamic range, and noise handling. The E-M1 II files retain highlight and shadow detail more gracefully, while the PEN’s softer edges and grainier shadows remind you why sensor advancements matter. Skin tones appear more natural on the newer camera, and color gradation is noticeably smoother.

Wrapping Up: Which Olympus Mirrorless Should You Choose?

Having extensively tested both bodies, I find each worthy but for fundamentally different user profiles.

If you’re a casual photographer, a street shooter valuing lightweight gear, or entering the mirrorless world on a budget, the Olympus PEN E-P1 still holds charm. It’s a window into the early MFT innovation that’s fun, intuitive, and competent in good conditions. Just temper expectations for autofocus chase, video, and low-light prowess.

However, if you need a robust all-rounder or professional tool capable of standing up to challenging shoots, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II remains a compelling option even years after release. Its cutting-edge sensor, blazing AF, weather sealing, and high frame rates empower a wide spectrum of photography from portraits to sports, landscapes to video production.

Recommendations at a Glance:

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these two Olympus gems is less about ‘better or worse’ and more about ‘fit for purpose.’ The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a testament to Olympus’s maturation into the pro mirrorless sphere, delivering speed, precision, and durability. The PEN E-P1 remains a quaint, visually distinct camera that helped put MFT on the map.

Whatever your choice, both are part of the rich tapestry of mirrorless history - proof that thoughtful imaging tools can be tailored as much by their era as their specs.

Happy shooting!

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• Olympus E M1 II front Olympus E M1 II screen back Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back