Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax RZ10

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax RZ10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and RZ10 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was introduced 5 months later than the RZ10 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PM1 matches up against the RZ10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Pentax Optio RZ10. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 provides 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) and the Pentax RZ10 has measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax RZ10 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the RZ10.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and RZ10 is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and RZ10.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax RZ10 will produce more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively.