Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax VS20

Below is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-M1 and Pentax VS20, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is very well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-M1 was unveiled 22 months later than the VS20 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-M1 grades against the VS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 has got physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M1 and Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-M1 versus the VS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and VS20 is 71 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and VS20.

As you can tell, both cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-M1 features the larger sensor which should make achieving bokeh simpler. The more recent E-M1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.