Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax S1

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax S1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 9 months later than the S1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers 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 Pentax S1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 against the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and S1 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The visual here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and S1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax S1 will give you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent E-PM1 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.