Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FX580

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX580, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was released 7 months after the FX580 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-P1 scores vs the FX580 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior 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 Panasonic FX580 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX580 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 against the FX580.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and FX580 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The pic underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and FX580.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-P1 comes with the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The younger E-P1 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.