Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax W60

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax W60, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the W60 (10MP) is very comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and W60 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was introduced 11 months after the W60 which means that they are 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 Pentax W60 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL1 scores against the W60 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax Optio W60. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax W60 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 offers exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax W60 has proportions of 98mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax W60 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 and the W60.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and W60 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by checking out specifications. The image underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and W60.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL1 will provide greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The fresher E-PL1 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.