Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax W90

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax W90, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and W90 (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and W90 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1 was unveiled 3 years after the W90 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-M1 matches up vs the W90 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Pentax Optio W90. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M1 features exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Pentax W90 has dimensions of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax W90 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M1 versus the W90.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and W90 is 71 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by going over a spec sheet. The picture below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and W90.

Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will deliver extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.