Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus VH-515

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus VH-515, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the VH-515 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and VH-515 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 9 months earlier than the VH-515 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VH-515 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PM1 scores vs the VH-515 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus VH-515. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 enjoys physical measurements 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 VH-515 has measurements of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus VH-515 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM1 against the VH-515.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and VH-515 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The photograph here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and VH-515.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM1 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.