Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-11

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus SZ-11, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the SZ-11 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-11 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was released 24 months earlier than the SZ-11 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-P1 grades vs the SZ-11 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus SZ-11. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-11 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 provides exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-11 has specifications of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus SZ-11 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 vs the SZ-11.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and SZ-11 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and SZ-11.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SZ-11 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.