Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SP-565UZ

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SP-565UZ, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the SP-565UZ (10MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SP-565UZ (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The E-PL1 was released 17 months later than the SP-565UZ which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the SP-565UZ with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus SP-565UZ. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 offers exterior dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus SP-565UZ has specifications of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SP-565UZ in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 versus the SP-565UZ.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and SP-565UZ is 86 and 72 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through technical specs. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and SP-565UZ.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL1 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger E-PL1 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.