Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FH10

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FH10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and FH10 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FH10 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the FH10 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH10 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the FH10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH10. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FH10 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 provides physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic FH10 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FH10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the FH10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FH10 is 89 and 97 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and FH10.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH10 will offer you more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.