Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SP-610UZ

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SP-610UZ, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the SP-610UZ (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SP-610UZ (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was launched 7 months earlier than the SP-610UZ so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PL1 grades against the SP-610UZ in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus SP-610UZ. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus SP-610UZ has measurements of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") having a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SP-610UZ in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the SP-610UZ.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and SP-610UZ is 86 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and SP-610UZ.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SP-610UZ will give more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.