Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony A700

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Sony A700, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the A700 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and A700 (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 3 years later than the A700 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PM1 scores against the A700 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 has got external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Sony A700 has proportions of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") having a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Sony A700 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PM1 and the A700.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and A700 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Often, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and A700.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 features the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The fresher E-PM1 should have a benefit in sensor technology.