Olympus E-P1 vs Sony H55

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-P1 versus Sony H55, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the H55 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and H55 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was announced 10 months before the H55 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony H55 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-P1 scores vs the H55 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Sony H55 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 enjoys external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony H55 has sizing of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Sony H55 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 and the H55.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and H55 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specs. The photograph here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and H55.

All in all, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony H55 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older E-P1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.