Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1
88 Imaging
52 Features
72 Overall
60
![Olympus PEN E-PL5 front Olympus PEN E-PL5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5/Olympus-E-PL5-front.jpg)
![Olympus PEN E-PM1 front Olympus PEN E-PM1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus_PEN_E-PM1_0.jpg)
89 Imaging
48 Features
52 Overall
49
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 325g - 111 x 64 x 38mm
- Introduced September 2012
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 265g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Announced November 2011
- Successor is Olympus E-PM2
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Overview
Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus E-PM1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and both are manufactured by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and E-PM1 (12MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (Four Thirds).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
The E-PL5 was introduced 10 months after the E-PM1 so they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go into a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL5 grades against the E-PM1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus PEN E-PM1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL5 over the Olympus E-PM1
E-PL5 | E-PM1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | September 2012 | ![]() | November 2011 | Newer by 10 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM1 over the Olympus E-PL5
E-PM1 | E-PL5 |
---|
Common features in the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus E-PM1
E-PL5 | E-PM1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen dimensions |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Equal screen resolution |
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus E-PM1 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).
Examine the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus E-PM1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 and the E-PM1.
![Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 size comparison Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and E-PM1 is 88 and 89 respectively.
![Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it can be hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The image below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and E-PM1.
All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You can count on the Olympus E-PL5 to produce extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 should have a benefit in sensor tech.
![Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 sensor size comparison Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PM1 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-PL5 | Olympus PEN E-PM1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Olympus | Olympus |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-PL5 | Olympus PEN E-PM1 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2012-09-17 | 2011-11-23 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | TruePic VI |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4032 x 3024 |
Highest native ISO | 25600 | 12800 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 35 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Total lenses | 107 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 460k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display tech | - | HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60s | 60s |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 8.0 frames per second | 6.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) | no built-in flash |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/250s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG | AVCHD, Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 325 grams (0.72 lb) | 265 grams (0.58 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 64 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") | 110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 72 | 52 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.8 | 21.0 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.3 | 10.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 889 | 499 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 360 photographs | 330 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | BLS-5 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $400 | $499 |