Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FX700

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX700, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FX700 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FX700 (1/2.3") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 11 months earlier than the FX700 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX700 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-P1 grades vs the FX700 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic FX700 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 has outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Panasonic FX700 has sizing of 104mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 176 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX700 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 compared to the FX700.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and FX700 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and FX700.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FX700 will produce more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.