Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic F5

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic F5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the F5 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and F5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was revealed 13 months prior to the F5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PM1 matches up versus the F5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic F5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 provides 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 Panasonic F5 has specifications of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic F5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 against the F5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and F5 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by researching a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and F5.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic F5 will render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.