Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax W80

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax W80, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the W80 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and W80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was launched 11 months later than the W80 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL1 scores vs the W80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax W80 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax W80 has proportions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax W80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 vs the W80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and W80 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by researching specifications. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and W80.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 includes the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The more recent E-PL1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.