Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-PM1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-M1 and Olympus E-PM1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Olympus. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and E-PM1 (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-M1 was released 24 months later than the E-PM1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-M1 grades vs the E-PM1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus PEN E-PM1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 provides exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Olympus E-PM1 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 and Olympus E-PM1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M1 compared to the E-PM1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and E-PM1 is 71 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and E-PM1.

As you can see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus E-M1 to offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The newer E-M1 should have a benefit in sensor technology.