Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FX48

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FX48, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is very similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FX48 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was launched 16 months after the FX48 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL1 grades vs the FX48 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic FX48 has specifications of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FX48 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the FX48.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and FX48 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FX48.

As you can tell, both of these cameras feature the identical resolution but different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 uses the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The more recent E-PL1 should have a benefit in sensor technology.