Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony QX1

Following is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony QX1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Lens-style by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and QX1 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was announced 15 months before the QX1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PM2 matches up against the QX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 has got physical 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 Sony QX1 has dimensions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") along with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony QX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 and the QX1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and QX1 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading specifications. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and QX1.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony QX1 will deliver greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PM2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.