Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony a5000

Here is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony a5000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and a5000 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and a5000 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the a5000 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-PM1 grades against the a5000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Sony Alpha a5000. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Sony a5000 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has got outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony a5000 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 vs Sony a5000 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the a5000.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and a5000 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and a5000.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony a5000 will deliver more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.