Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus E-PL1

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-M5 versus Olympus E-PL1, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both designed by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and E-PL1 (12MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-M5 was introduced 24 months after the E-PL1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-M5 grades vs the E-PL1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 features outer measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1 has specifications of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M5 versus Olympus E-PL1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M5 versus the E-PL1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and E-PL1 is 81 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specifications. The image here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and E-PL1.

Plainly, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus E-M5 to result in more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent E-M5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.