Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus 1

Below is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus 1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the 1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and 1 (1/1.7") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was announced 5 years earlier than the 1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-P1 matches up against the 1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus Stylus 1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus 1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 has got external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus 1 has measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus 1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 against the 1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and 1 is 86 and 79 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and 1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-P1 has got the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.