Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus XZ-1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus XZ-1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is very well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and XZ-1 (1/1.63") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was announced 18 months before the XZ-1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-P1 scores against the XZ-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus XZ-1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 comes with external 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) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 versus the XZ-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and XZ-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and XZ-1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-P1 will give you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.