Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FH20

Here is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FH20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FH20 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FH20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 23 months later than the FH20 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PM1 scores versus the FH20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FH20 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with external 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) while the Panasonic FH20 has specifications of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FH20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PM1 against the FH20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FH20 is 89 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and FH20.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH20 will result in extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PM1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.