Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ10

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ10, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and RZ10 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was brought out 14 months prior to the RZ10 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the RZ10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax Optio RZ10. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with 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) while the Pentax RZ10 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RZ10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 versus the RZ10.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and RZ10 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and RZ10.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax RZ10 will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.