Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ80

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FZ80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and FZ80 (18MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FZ80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was announced 6 years before the FZ80 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-PM1 grades versus the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers external 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 FZ80 has dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FZ80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 and the FZ80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and FZ80 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The visual underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and FZ80.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ80 will provide extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be behind in sensor technology.