Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony W690

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony W690, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and W690 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and W690 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was revealed 21 months before the W690 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W690 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up versus the W690 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Sony W690 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Sony W690 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony W690 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 vs the W690.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and W690 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and W690.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony W690 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.