Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax S1

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax S1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was unveiled 19 months before the S1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-P1 scores against the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P1 features outside 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) whilst the Pentax S1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 compared to the S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and S1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The photograph here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and S1.

Plainly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax S1 will show extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.