Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-6

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-6, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NEX-6 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-6 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was released 3 years prior to the NEX-6 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PL1 grades versus the NEX-6 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Alpha NEX-6. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Sony NEX-6 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys external 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 Sony NEX-6 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony NEX-6 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL1 against the NEX-6.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and NEX-6 is 86 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The image below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and NEX-6.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-6 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.