Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-PM2

Following is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-PM2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Olympus. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and E-PM2 (16MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-P1 was announced 4 years before the E-PM2 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-P1 grades versus the E-PM2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-PM2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus E-PM2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 offers outer dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus E-PM2 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-PM2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 and the E-PM2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and E-PM2 is 86 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by checking a spec sheet. The picture below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and E-PM2.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Olympus E-PM2 to give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.