Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FX48

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FX48, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FX48 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was announced 2 years after the FX48 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PM1 grades versus the FX48 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 has exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic FX48 has proportions of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FX48 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 against the FX48.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and FX48 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specs. The image underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and FX48.

All in all, both of the cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 includes the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The fresher E-PM1 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.