Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus VG-145

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus VG-145, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are produced by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the VG-145 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and VG-145 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was launched 4 months later than the VG-145 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PM1 scores against the VG-145 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Olympus VG-145. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Olympus VG-145 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Olympus VG-145 has specifications of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus VG-145 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the VG-145.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and VG-145 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over specifications. The graphic here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and VG-145.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus VG-145 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively.