Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax WS80

Lets look a little more in depth at the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax WS80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was revealed 2 years later than the WS80 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PM1 matches up versus the WS80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax WS80 has dimensions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax WS80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the WS80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and WS80 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and WS80.

Plainly, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more modern E-PM1 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.