Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic LX100

Below is a extended overview of the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic LX100, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the LX100 (13MP) is relatively close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PM1 was revealed 3 years before the LX100 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the LX100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic LX100 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 has external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic LX100 has measurements of 115mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.2") having a weight of 393 grams (0.87 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic LX100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PM1 versus the LX100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and LX100 is 89 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing specifications. The graphic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and LX100.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Panasonic LX100 to render extra detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.