Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was launched 23 months after the FP1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PM1 grades against the FP1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 features external dimensions 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 Panasonic FP1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 vs the FP1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and FP1 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and FP1.

Clearly, both cameras posses the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 uses the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF simpler. The fresher E-PM1 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.