Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FX78

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FX78, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is very close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FX78 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was announced 8 months before the FX78 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL1 scores vs the FX78 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got exterior 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) and the Panasonic FX78 has sizing of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FX78 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 vs the FX78.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and FX78 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by researching specs. The image here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and FX78.

All in all, both the cameras posses the exact same MP but not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 uses the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.