Olympus PEN E-P1
Competitors

As well as being compared against other mirrorless, the Olympus PEN E-P1 is also often compared to boutiques, pro digicams, entry-level DSLRs and super zooms. The Olympus PEN E-P1's top rivals come from Olympus (such as the PEN E-PL1 and the PEN E-P2) and Panasonic (such as the Lumix DMC-GF2 and the Lumix DMC-GF3)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-P1 compared to other mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it is slightly less expensive ($194.49 vs $589.00) and has a faster max shutter speed (1/4000 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 460k dots), doesn't have a touch screen, lacks a built in panoramas and doesn't take 3D photos.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 7 months newer $255 - $279 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the PEN E-PL1 (vs the PEN E-P1) Has an external mic jack Built-in flash Significant disadvantages of the PEN E-PL1 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much slower max shutter speed: 1/2000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second common strengths of the PEN E-PL1 and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $254.99 vs $194.49 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-PL1 vs the PEN E-P1
Olympus PEN E-P2 4 months newer $480 17mm lens	Significant advantages of the PEN E-P2 (vs the PEN E-P1) None found Significant disadvantages of the PEN E-P2 (vs the PEN E-P1) None found common strengths of the PEN E-P2 and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $479.95 vs $194.49 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-P2 vs the PEN E-P1
Olympus PEN E-P3 2 years newer $849 - $900 17mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-P3 (vs the PEN E-P1) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significantly higher resolution screen: 614k dots vs 230k dots Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD Significant disadvantages of the E-P3 (vs the PEN E-P1) None found common strengths of the E-P3 and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-P3 vs the PEN E-P1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 1 year newer $376 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the PEN E-P1) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Has a touch screen Takes 3D photos Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the PEN E-P1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the DMC-GF2 and PEN E-P1 Inexpensive: $375.99 vs $194.49 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Olympus PEN E-PM1 2 years newer $500 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-PM1 (vs the PEN E-P1) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 30fps Can create panoramas in-camera Takes 3D photos Significant disadvantages of the E-PM1 (vs the PEN E-P1) None found common strengths of the E-PM1 and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $499.99 vs $194.49 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-PM1 vs the PEN E-P1
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 2 years newer $589 - $600 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-PL3 (vs the PEN E-P1) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Has a flip-out screen Has boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs None Significant disadvantages of the E-PL3 (vs the PEN E-P1) None found common strengths of the E-PL3 and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN Lite E-PL3 vs the PEN E-P1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-P1 compared to boutique competitors include: it is much smaller (mid size 121x70x36 mm vs standard size 117x81x65 mm), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), is thinner (1.4" vs 2.6"), is slightly lighter (355 g vs 390 g) and has interchangeable lenses.

However, on average it has significantly lower image quality (55.0 vs 73.0), records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO) and doesn't record movies in 24p.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 1 year newer $1,199	Significant advantages of the X100 (vs the PEN E-P1) Significantly better image quality: 73.0 vs 55.0 Better color depth: 22.9 bits vs 21.4 bits Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Significant disadvantages of the X100 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much larger: Standard size 127x75x54 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Built-in lens only No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the X100 and PEN E-P1 Fast max shutter speeds: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second
	Compare the Fujifilm FinePix X100 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Canon PowerShot G1X 2 years newer $799 - $800	Significant advantages of the G1X (vs the PEN E-P1) Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the G1X (vs the PEN E-P1) Much larger: Standard size 117x81x65 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Much thicker: 2.6" vs 1.4" Built-in lens only common strengths of the G1X and PEN E-P1 Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Good image stabilization: Lens vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $799.00 vs $194.49
	Compare the Canon PowerShot G1X vs the Olympus PEN E-P1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-P1 compared to pro digicam competitors include: it has a much larger sensor (four thirds 18.0x13.5mm vs 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm), is much less noisy at high ISO (536 ISO vs 161 ISO), has significantly better image quality (55.0 vs 41.0), has much more color depth (21.4 bits vs 19.6 bits) and takes much higher resolution photos (12.2 MP vs 10 MP).

However, on average it doesn't have a built-in flash, records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 614k dots), has slightly narrower dynamic range (10.4 EV vs 11.2 EV) and has worse image stabilization (sensor shift vs lens).

Fujifilm Finepix X10 2 years newer $599	Significant advantages of the X10 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps More dynamic range: 11.3 EV vs 10.4 EV Significant disadvantages of the X10 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 536 ISO Worse color depth: 20.5 bits vs 21.4 bits common strengths of the X10 and PEN E-P1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Relatively low noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 536 ISO Supports RAW
	Compare the Fujifilm Finepix X10 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Canon PowerShot G12 1 year newer $390 - $496	Significant advantages of the G12 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Has a flip-out screen Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the G12 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 161 ISO vs 536 ISO Worse color depth: 20.4 bits vs 21.4 bits common strengths of the G12 and PEN E-P1 Supports RAW Good color depth: 20.4 bits vs 21.4 bits Support external flash
	Compare the Canon PowerShot G12 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 1 year newer $350	Significant advantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Has boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs None Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 132 ISO vs 536 ISO Worse color depth: 19.6 bits vs 21.4 bits common strengths of the DMC-LX5 and PEN E-P1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Supports RAW Fairly small: Mid size 109x65x42 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Canon Powershot S100 2 years newer $372 - $430	Significant advantages of the S100 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash More dynamic range: 11.6 EV vs 10.4 EV Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the S100 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 536 ISO Worse color depth: 20.7 bits vs 21.4 bits common strengths of the S100 and PEN E-P1 Supports RAW Good image quality: 50.0 vs 55.0 Good color depth: 20.7 bits vs 21.4 bits
	Compare the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Olympus XZ-1 1 year newer $499 - $500	Significant advantages of the XZ-1 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD Significantly higher resolution screen: 614k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the XZ-1 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 117 ISO vs 536 ISO Worse color depth: 18.8 bits vs 21.4 bits common strengths of the XZ-1 and PEN E-P1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Supports RAW Fairly small: Mid size 110x64x42 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm
	Compare the XZ-1 vs the PEN E-P1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-P1 compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.7"), has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), lets you preview your photos on the screen, is much smaller (mid size 121x70x36 mm vs professional size 132x103x77 mm) and has a CMOS-family sensor (NMOS vs CCD).

However, on average it is significantly more noisy at high ISO (536 ISO vs 793 ISO), has significantly lower image quality (55.0 vs 67.0), has much less color depth (21.4 bits vs 22.5 bits), has significantly narrower dynamic range (10.4 EV vs 12.5 EV) and has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 930k dots).

Pentax K-x 3 months newer $741 - $1,248 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the K-x (vs the PEN E-P1) Better color depth: 22.8 bits vs 21.4 bits Much better image quality: 72.0 vs 55.0 More dynamic range: 12.5 EV vs 10.4 EV Significant disadvantages of the K-x (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0" Much larger: Prosumer size 123x92x68 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Much thicker: 2.7" vs 1.4" common strengths of the K-x and PEN E-P1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Very small: Prosumer size 123x92x68 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Very thin: 2.7" vs 1.4"
	Compare the Pentax K-x vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Canon Rebel T3i 1 year newer $619 - $700 (body only) $745 - $1,000 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T3i (vs the PEN E-P1) Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.4 bits Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 793 ISO vs 536 ISO Significant disadvantages of the T3i (vs the PEN E-P1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Much larger: Professional size 133x99x79 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Much thicker: 3.1" vs 1.4" common strengths of the T3i and PEN E-P1 Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
	Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Nikon D90 9 months older $830 - $897 (body only) $1,047 55-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the D90 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much lower noise at high ISO: 977 ISO vs 536 ISO Better color depth: 22.7 bits vs 21.4 bits Much better image quality: 73.0 vs 55.0 Significant disadvantages of the D90 (vs the PEN E-P1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Much larger: Professional size 132x103x77 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Much thicker: 3" vs 1.4" common strengths of the D90 and PEN E-P1 Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
	Compare the Nikon D90 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi 2 years older $548 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the Rebel XTi (vs the PEN E-P1) Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.4 bits Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Better image quality: 62.0 vs 55.0 Significant disadvantages of the Rebel XTi (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0" No live view No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift common strengths of the Rebel XTi and PEN E-P1 Very small: Prosumer size 127x94x65 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Very thin: 2.6" vs 1.4" Inexpensive: $547.72 vs $194.49
	Compare the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Nikon D3100 1 year newer $500 - $547 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the PEN E-P1) Better color depth: 22.5 bits vs 21.4 bits Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 536 ISO Significantly better image quality: 67.0 vs 55.0 Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the PEN E-P1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Much larger: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Much thicker: 2.9" vs 1.4" common strengths of the D3100 and PEN E-P1 Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Fairly small: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 1.4"
	Compare the Nikon D3100 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Nikon D3000 similar age $487 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3000 (vs the PEN E-P1) Better color depth: 22.3 bits vs 21.4 bits Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Significant disadvantages of the D3000 (vs the PEN E-P1) No live view No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Does not take movies: None vs 720p @ 30fps common strengths of the D3000 and PEN E-P1 Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0" Very small: Prosumer size 126x97x64 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Very thin: 2.5" vs 1.4"
	Compare the Nikon D3000 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-P1 compared to super zoom competitors include: it is significantly smaller (mid size 121x70x36 mm vs prosumer size 111x76x83 mm), takes much higher resolution photos (12.2 MP vs 9.7 MP), slightly higher maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 1,600 ISO), has a CMOS-family sensor (NMOS vs CCD) and has a much larger sensor (four thirds 18.0x13.5mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm).

However, on average it doesn't have a built-in flash, has a much lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 921k dots), has worse image stabilization (sensor shift vs lens), lacks a built in HDR feature and lacks a built in panoramas.

Nikon Coolpix L810 2 years newer $250 - $265	Significant advantages of the L810 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots Takes 3D photos Significant disadvantages of the L810 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 12.2 MP Significantly larger: Prosumer size 111x76x83 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm common strengths of the L810 and PEN E-P1 Fairly small: Prosumer size 111x76x83 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Thin: 3.3" vs 1.4" Light weight: 430 g vs 355 g
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix L810 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1
Nikon Coolpix L120 1 year newer $180 - $218	Significant advantages of the L120 (vs the PEN E-P1) Built-in flash Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Has boost ISO: 6,400 ISO vs None Significant disadvantages of the L120 (vs the PEN E-P1) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 12.2 MP Built-in lens only common strengths of the L120 and PEN E-P1 Fairly small: Prosumer size 110x77x78 mm vs Mid size 121x70x36 mm Thin: 3.1" vs 1.4" Light weight: 406 g vs 355 g
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix L120 vs the Olympus PEN E-P1