Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic FX580

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic FX580, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and FX580 (12MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was released 5 years later than the FX580 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL6 scores vs the FX580 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL6 enjoys outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic FX580 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic FX580 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL6 compared to the FX580.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and FX580 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by checking out specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and FX580.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL6 due to its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus E-PL6 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-PL6 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.