Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZR1

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZR1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL7 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) and the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and ZR1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL7 was launched 5 years after the ZR1 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL7 grades vs the ZR1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL7 provides outer measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZR1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL7 compared to the ZR1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL7 and ZR1 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specifications. The pic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL7 and ZR1.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL7 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL7 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-PL7 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.