Olympus E-PM1
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 265g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Announced November 2011
- Later Model is Olympus E-PM2
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
89 Imaging
48 Features
52 Overall
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Olympus E-PM1 summary
Olympus E-PM1 is Olympus's Entry-Level Mirrorless digital camera originally announced on November of 2011. The camera uses a 12MP, CMOS Four Thirds size sensor with a full resolution of 4032 x 3024.
Olympus introduced the newer Olympus E-PM2 (Read Full Comparison) to replace this model.
The E-PM1 stands at #98 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and over all #445 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. Please test our Advanced camera search to get camera ratings based on your custom factors.
The following is a diagram of specific factors used in the rating system.
Olympus E-PM1 history
The Olympus E-PM1 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Here, you can take a look at all past and current models alongside important specifications.
Olympus E-PM1 Gallery
You can look at the E-PM1 from several angles in the gallery here.
Olympus E-PM1 Pros and Cons
Here is a selection of advantages and disadvantages of the Olympus E-PM1 based on criterias which are often regarded as necessary in a digital camera.
Olympus E-PM1 Sensor specs
The Olympus E-PM1 is powered by the TruePic VI chip. The measurement of the sensor on the Olympus E-PM1 is 17.3mm x 13mm (Four Thirds). The 225 mm² sensor can capture 4032 x 3024 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Sensor based). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter may produce cropping.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe CMOS sensor boasts 12MP and supports a standard ISO range of 100 to 12800. RAW files are supported therefore the user has more margin for error.
The graphic underneath illustrates the E-PM1's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The E-PM1 sensor comes with a crop factor of 2.1 and is presented in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Olympus E-PM1 dimensions
Olympus E-PM1 weighs 0.58 lbs (265 grams or 9.35 ounces) and features outer proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3"). The weight of average Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 grams and the Olympus E-PM1 is less heavy as compared to other competitors.
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banDown below is a picture of the Olympus E-PM1 with a softdrink to help you to have a sense of its size.
The top view just below will highlight the button arrangement on the E-PM1.
Olympus E-PM1 Lens details
The E-PM1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount and has 162 lenses to select from. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our collection that will work with the E-PM1.
Olympus E-PM1 Connectivity
The E-PM1 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- HDMI Yes
Digital cameras that come with NFC or Bluetooth connectivity can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to transfer files and at times adjust camera settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
A few apps also stream a Liveview and release the shutter if you are not near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack using the USB port.
Olympus E-PM1 Video details
The highest possible video quality on the Olympus E-PM1 is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in AVCHD and Motion JPEG file format. 1080p quality offers a decent balance between video quality vs file size but 1080p is not going to leave you with much room to crop. The body does not offer a mic or headphone jack which means that you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is perhaps best to consider a different model if you require decent audio in your videos.
Olympus E-PM1 Weather Sealing
There is no environment sealing in the Olympus E-PM1 so you have to be careful in wet and dusty conditions.
Olympus E-PM1 Screen and Viewfinder
The Olympus E-PM1 houses a 3" fixed screen having a resolution of 460k dots.
Unfortunately the screen isn't a touch screen.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe ViewFinder specifications regarding Olympus E-PM1 are as follows:
- ViewFinder Electronic (optional)
In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders will be very valuable.
Olympus E-PM1 Shutter details
Olympus E-PM1 can shoot continuously at 6.0 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.
Olympus E-PM1 Flash and Hot shoe details
Olympus E-PM1 has got external flash support but with missing integrated flash. The maximum flash sync is 1/160 seconds.
Olympus E-PM1 Autofocusing details
Olympus E-PM1 has got only Contrast Detect Autofocus and does not have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot faster and accurate as compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera boasts Face detection making it useful for taking portraits of people.
The AF system boasts 35 focus points to choose from. It also features Tracking Autofocus for things that move. Olympus E-PM1 comes with manual focus if needed during low light or you want to have more exact focus control.
Olympus E-PM1 Battery life
The battery life (BLS-5) in the Olympus E-PM1 is built to last for 330 images according to the CIPA measurements making it on par with its competitors. The average Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 offers the best (750) battery life within this category of cameras.
Underneath is a list of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras having the highest battery life:
Olympus E-PM1 for varying types of photography
The following diagram gives a rundown of the Olympus E-PM1 for varying types of photography. To understand more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.
Olympus E-PM1 as a Portrait photography camera
The Olympus E-PM1 has a points tally of 60 which is reasonable, and means the camera is relatively suitable for portrait images. Taking portrait images favors greatly towards sensor size, support for RAW files together with the option to use off-camera lighting.
Olympus E-PM1 as a Street photography camera
Having a nice score of 75, the Olympus E-PM1 is a respectable pick to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera gives a fine balance of image quality plus portability.
Olympus E-PM1 Sports photography details
A modest sports photography points total of 49 means the Olympus E-PM1 is somewhat appropriate for shooting sports. A camera really should have excellent tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Olympus E-PM1 as a Travel photography camera
Portability is pretty critical when getting a camera for travel. All things considered, the Olympus E-PM1 gets a dreadful 45 as a travel camera which is not acceptable to take on your holidays.
Olympus E-PM1 as a Landscape photography camera
For anyone looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most critical factor will no doubt be image quality. The Olympus E-PM1 and it's nice rating of 65 as a landscape camera is a good pick in the current marketplace.
Olympus E-PM1 Vlogging advice
A camera for vlogging ought to have a articulating display, microphone port and if possible IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Olympus E-PM1 is not acceptable for vlogging as it receives a dreadful score of 34.
Olympus E-PM1 Alternatives
If you are searching for alternatives to the E-PM1, here is a selection of the highest rated cameras which fall into the class of Entry-Level Mirrorless.
The line chart here provides you a summary of the E-PM1 compared to it's top ranking competitors mentioned earlier.
There are a bunch of cameras you might see as alternatives. To browse through a extensive comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.