Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-P1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-P1, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are built by Olympus. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and E-P1 (12MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-M1 was brought out 4 years after the E-P1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-M1 scores against the E-P1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Olympus PEN E-P1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Olympus E-P1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 provides outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Olympus E-P1 has sizing of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-P1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 against the E-P1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and E-P1 is 71 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The image here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and E-P1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Olympus E-M1 to produce more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The newer E-M1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.