Olympus E-P1 vs Sony a5100

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was brought out 6 years earlier than the a5100 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-P1 scores versus the a5100 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Sony Alpha a5100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P1 has got outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P1 vs Sony a5100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 versus the a5100.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and a5100 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and a5100.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony a5100 will provide greater detail having its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.