Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 1s

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 1s, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the 1s (12MP) is pretty close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and 1s (1/1.7") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was brought out 4 years prior to the 1s which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PM1 grades against the 1s for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus Stylus 1s. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus 1s Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Olympus 1s has dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 1s in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the 1s.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and 1s is 89 and 79 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and 1s.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh simpler. The more aged E-PM1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.