Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic XS1

Here is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic XS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 13 months prior to the XS1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PM1 grades vs the XS1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 has got outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic XS1 has dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic XS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 and the XS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and XS1 is 89 and 97 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and XS1.

As you can tell, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic XS1 will result in extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.