Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-15

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-15, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and SZ-15 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-15 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was launched 4 years earlier than the SZ-15 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-P1 matches up versus the SZ-15 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus SZ-15. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P1 provides outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-15 has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SZ-15 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 against the SZ-15.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and SZ-15 is 86 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and SZ-15.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 due to its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus SZ-15 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.