Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic 3D1

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic 3D1, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and 3D1 (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was introduced 2 years after the 3D1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-M1 scores against the 3D1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 has outer measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic 3D1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 and the 3D1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and 3D1 is 71 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes merely by researching technical specs. The picture below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and 3D1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 with its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will render more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer E-M1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.