Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FX580

Following is a in depth review of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FX580, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM1 was unveiled 2 years after the FX580 which is quite a serious gap 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 FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PM1 scores versus the FX580 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 enjoys outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic FX580 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FX580 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the FX580.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FX580 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The image below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and FX580.

To sum up, both of these cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PM1 includes the bigger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh easier. The younger E-PM1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.