Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS100

The following is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZS100, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 5 years prior to the ZS100 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores versus the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 has got exterior 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 ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZS100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the ZS100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and ZS100 is 89 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and ZS100.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer extra detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.