Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus 1

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus 1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and 1 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and 1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was announced 6 months earlier than the 1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the 1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Olympus Stylus 1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Olympus 1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Olympus 1 has specifications of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus 1 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. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 vs the 1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and 1 is 89 and 79 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and 1.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will produce greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively.