Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus 1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL2 and Olympus 1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the 1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and 1 (1/1.7") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was brought out 3 years before the 1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-PL2 scores vs the 1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus Stylus 1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus 1 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys physical dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Olympus 1 has proportions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 and Olympus 1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL2 vs the 1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and 1 is 85 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specifications. The picture below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and 1.

Plainly, each of these cameras have the same megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 offers the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The more aged E-PL2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.