Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FX48

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX48, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FX48 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was announced 7 months later than the FX48 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P1 scores versus the FX48 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 has external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX48 has measurements of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX48 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P1 compared to the FX48.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and FX48 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and FX48.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-P1 provides the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The newer E-P1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.