Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus 7030

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus 7030, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the 7030 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and 7030 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was released 5 months later than the 7030 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 7030 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL1 scores against the 7030 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus Stylus 7030. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus 7030 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 provides outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus 7030 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus 7030 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 vs the 7030.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and 7030 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and 7030.

To sum up, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus 7030 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively.