Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax MX-1

Below is a complete comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax MX-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was brought out around the same time to the MX-1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PM2 grades versus the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 has exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PM2 against the MX-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and MX-1 is 89 and 84 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and MX-1.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively.