Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FS15

Below is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FS15, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FS15 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 2 years later than the FS15 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PM1 scores vs the FS15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS15 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FS15 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-PM1 vs the FS15.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and FS15 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and FS15.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM1 has got the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The more recent E-PM1 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.