Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FX78

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX78, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FX78 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was launched 18 months before the FX78 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-P1 scores versus the FX78 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 features outer 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 FX78 has sizing of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FX78 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-P1 against the FX78.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and FX78 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specifications. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and FX78.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-P1 comes with the bigger sensor which should make achieving bokeh less difficult. The older E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.