Olympus E-P1 vs Sony A580

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony A580, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and A580 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and A580 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was brought out 22 months prior to the A580 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-P1 grades vs the A580 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Sony A580 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 has exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony A580 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 against the A580.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and A580 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The image below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and A580.

All in all, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony A580 will give you extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.