Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony a5100

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the a5100 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL1 matches up against the a5100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony a5100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 against the a5100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and a5100 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by checking out specifications. The picture underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and a5100.

To sum up, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Sony a5100 will show more detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.