Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic S1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the S1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was released 11 months later than the S1 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PM1 grades against the S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 offers 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) whilst the Panasonic S1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and S1 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking specifications. The visual here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and S1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM1 uses the larger sensor which should make achieving bokeh simpler. The more recent E-PM1 will have an edge in sensor technology.