Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS

Below is a thorough review of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus TG-850 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are sold by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was brought out 3 years prior to the TG-850 iHS and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the TG-850 iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-850 iHS has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus TG-850 iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PM1 and the TG-850 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and TG-850 iHS is 89 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements just by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and TG-850 iHS.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus TG-850 iHS will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.