Olympus E-PL5 vs Ricoh CX1

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 and Ricoh CX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and CX1 (9MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and CX1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 3 years later than the CX1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PL5 scores against the CX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Ricoh CX1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Ricoh CX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 features exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Ricoh CX1 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Ricoh CX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 and the CX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and CX1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and CX1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 having a larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will show greater detail using its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL5 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.