Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic SZ1

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic SZ1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-P1 was brought out 3 years before the SZ1 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-P1 scores against the SZ1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 has got outer dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 and the SZ1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and SZ1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The pic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and SZ1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will show extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.