Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FP1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FP1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and FP1 (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was brought out 3 years later than the FP1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-M1 scores versus the FP1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider 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") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FP1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M1 and the FP1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and FP1 is 71 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading technical specs. The photograph below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and FP1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M1 will offer you more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.