Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP5

The following is a extended review of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FP5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM1 was released 11 months after the FP5 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PM1 scores against the FP5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic FP5 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the FP5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and FP5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading through specifications. The pic here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and FP5.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FP5 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more modern E-PM1 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.