Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony A450

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony A450, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the A450 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and A450 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was announced 23 months after the A450 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A450 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PM1 scores against the A450 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A450. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Sony A450 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 features outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony A450 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony A450 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 vs the A450.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and A450 is 89 and 65 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and A450.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A450 will offer you extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher E-PM1 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.