Olympus PEN E-PL1
Competitors

As well as being compared against other mirrorless, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is also often compared to pro digicams, entry-level DSLRs and super zooms. The Olympus PEN E-PL1's top rivals come from Olympus (such as the PEN E-PL2 and the PEN E-PM1) and Panasonic (such as the Lumix DMC-GF3 and the Lumix DMC-GF2)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 compared to other mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has better image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), has an external mic jack, is slightly less expensive ($254.99 vs $484.99), supports an external flash and has a built-in flash.

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a much smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 460k dots), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 1,200 fps) and doesn't have a touch screen.

Olympus PEN E-PL2 1 year newer $485 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the PEN E-PL2 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Much less startup delay: 1300 ms vs 2200 ms Much less shutter lag: 434 ms vs 820 ms Significant disadvantages of the PEN E-PL2 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the PEN E-PL2 and PEN E-PL1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $484.99 vs $254.99 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-PL2 vs the PEN E-PL1
Olympus PEN E-PM1 1 year newer $500 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-PM1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 30fps Continuous video focus Significant disadvantages of the E-PM1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Lacks an external mic jack No built-in flash common strengths of the E-PM1 and PEN E-PL1 Good image stabilization: Sensor shift vs Sensor shift Inexpensive: $499.99 vs $254.99 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
	Compare the PEN E-PM1 vs the PEN E-PL1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 1 year newer $469 (body only)	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Much less shutter lag: 312 ms vs 820 ms Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks an external mic jack No external flash support common strengths of the DMC-GF3 and PEN E-PL1 Inexpensive: $394.00 vs $254.99 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds Each has a built-in flash
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 1 year newer $589 - $600 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the E-PL3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Has a flip-out screen Significant disadvantages of the E-PL3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Lacks an external mic jack No built-in flash common strengths of the E-PL3 and PEN E-PL1 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-PL1
Nikon 1 J1 1 year newer $547 10-30mm lens	Significant advantages of the J1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Records high-speed movies: 1,200 fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Much less shutter lag: 94 ms vs 820 ms Significant disadvantages of the J1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks an external mic jack Fewer lenses available: 4 lenses vs 26 lenses common strengths of the J1 and PEN E-PL1 Inexpensive: $546.95 vs $254.99 Each has a built-in flash
	Compare the Nikon 1 J1 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 9 months newer $376 14-42mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Much less startup delay: 1000 ms vs 2200 ms Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the DMC-GF2 and PEN E-PL1 Inexpensive: $375.99 vs $254.99 Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds Each has a built-in flash
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 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 (487 ISO vs 153 ISO), has slightly better image quality (54.0 vs 41.0), has much more color depth (21.5 bits vs 19.6 bits) and takes much higher resolution photos (12.2 MP vs 10 MP).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a slightly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 614k dots), has significantly narrower dynamic range (10.1 EV vs 11.2 EV) and has worse image stabilization (sensor shift vs lens).

Canon PowerShot G12 7 months newer $390 - $496	Significant advantages of the G12 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Has a flip-out screen Supports 24p More dynamic range: 11.2 EV vs 10.1 EV Significant disadvantages of the G12 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 161 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the G12 and PEN E-PL1 Supports RAW Good color depth: 20.4 bits vs 21.5 bits Support external flash
	Compare the Canon PowerShot G12 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Canon Powershot S100 1 year newer $372 - $430	Significant advantages of the S100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) More dynamic range: 11.6 EV vs 10.1 EV Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the S100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the S100 and PEN E-PL1 Supports RAW Good image quality: 50.0 vs 54.0 Good color depth: 20.7 bits vs 21.5 bits
	Compare the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 5 months newer $350	Significant advantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Has boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs None Significantly longer battery life: 400 shots vs 290 shots Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 132 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the DMC-LX5 and PEN E-PL1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Supports RAW Support external flash
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Olympus XZ-1 1 year newer $499 - $500	Significant advantages of the XZ-1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Significantly higher resolution screen: 614k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the XZ-1 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 117 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the XZ-1 and PEN E-PL1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Supports RAW Support external flash
	Compare the XZ-1 vs the PEN E-PL1
Canon PowerShot S95 6 months newer $364 - $389	Significant advantages of the S95 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Supports 24p More dynamic range: 11.3 EV vs 10.1 EV Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7" Significant disadvantages of the S95 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the S95 and PEN E-PL1 Supports RAW Good color depth: 20.4 bits vs 21.5 bits Inexpensive: $364.10 vs $254.99
	Compare the Canon PowerShot S95 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Fujifilm Finepix X10 1 year newer $599	Significant advantages of the X10 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps More dynamic range: 11.3 EV vs 10.1 EV Many more focus points: 49 vs 11 Significant disadvantages of the X10 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Much more noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 487 ISO Lacks an external mic jack common strengths of the X10 and PEN E-PL1 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Relatively low noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 487 ISO Supports RAW
	Compare the Fujifilm Finepix X10 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it has image stabilization (sensor shift vs none), lets you preview your photos on the screen, has an external mic jack, focuses automatically while shootting video (contrast detection vs none) and is much smaller (mid size 115x72x42 mm vs prosumer size 124x96x73 mm).

However, on average it is significantly more noisy at high ISO (487 ISO vs 919 ISO), has significantly lower image quality (54.0 vs 67.0), has much less color depth (21.5 bits vs 22.3 bits), has significantly narrower dynamic range (10.1 EV vs 11.5 EV) and has a slightly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0").

Nikon D3100 6 months newer $500 - $547 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much lower noise at high ISO: 919 ISO vs 487 ISO Much less shutter lag: 279 ms vs 820 ms Better color depth: 22.5 bits vs 21.5 bits Significant disadvantages of the D3100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks an external mic jack Much larger: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm common strengths of the D3100 and PEN E-PL1 Fairly small: Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 1.7" Light weight: 505 g vs 334 g
	Compare the Nikon D3100 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Canon Rebel T3 1 year newer $333 (body only) $489 - $500 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 755 ISO vs 487 ISO Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Significant disadvantages of the T3 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Lacks an external mic jack Much larger: Professional size 130x100x78 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm common strengths of the T3 and PEN E-PL1 Light weight: 459 g vs 334 g Inexpensive: $333.00 vs $254.99
	Compare the Canon Rebel T3 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Canon Rebel T2i similar age $544 - $949 (body only) $649 - $867 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much less shutter lag: 252 ms vs 820 ms Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 784 ISO vs 487 ISO Better color depth: 22.1 bits vs 21.5 bits Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Much larger: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Lacks video autofocus: None vs Contrast detection common strengths of the T2i and PEN E-PL1 Very small: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Very thin: 2.4" vs 1.7" Inexpensive: $544.00 vs $254.99
	Compare the Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Nikon D3000 6 months older $487 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D3000 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much less shutter lag: 262 ms vs 820 ms Better color depth: 22.3 bits vs 21.5 bits Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Significant disadvantages of the D3000 (vs the PEN E-PL1) 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-PL1 Very small: Prosumer size 126x97x64 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Very thin: 2.5" vs 1.7" Inexpensive: $486.96 vs $254.99
	Compare the Nikon D3000 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Nikon D5100 1 year newer $500 - $597 (body only) $600 - $697 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much lower noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 487 ISO Much better image quality: 80.0 vs 54.0 Better color depth: 23.5 bits vs 21.5 bits Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Much larger: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Much thicker: 3.1" vs 1.7" common strengths of the D5100 and PEN E-PL1 Fairly small: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Inexpensive: $499.99 vs $254.99
	Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS 1 year older $348 - $595 (body only) $439 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the Rebel XS (vs the PEN E-PL1) Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None Better color depth: 22 bits vs 21.5 bits Lower noise at high ISO: 719 ISO vs 487 ISO Significant disadvantages of the Rebel XS (vs the PEN E-PL1) No image stabilization: None vs Sensor shift Significantly smaller screen: 2.5" vs 2.7" Does not take movies: None vs 720p @ 30fps common strengths of the Rebel XS and PEN E-PL1 Very small: Prosumer size 126x98x65 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm Very thin: 2.6" vs 1.7" Light weight: 502 g vs 334 g
	Compare the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 compared to super zoom competitors include: it is much smaller (mid size 115x72x42 mm vs professional size 123x92x108 mm), takes much higher resolution photos (12.2 MP vs 9.7 MP), has a much larger sensor (four thirds 18.0x13.5mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm), has an external mic jack and is thinner (1.7" vs 4.3").

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a slightly smaller screen (2.7" vs 3.0"), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 240 fps) and doesn't record movies in 24p.

Nikon Coolpix P510 2 years newer $397 - $400	Significant advantages of the P510 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots Has a flip-out screen Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the P510 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Lacks an external mic jack Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 12.2 MP common strengths of the P510 and PEN E-PL1 Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix P510 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Nikon Coolpix P500 1 year newer $300	Significant advantages of the P500 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Has a flip-out screen Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps Significant disadvantages of the P500 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Lacks an external mic jack Much lower true resolution: 9.7 MP vs 12.2 MP common strengths of the P500 and PEN E-PL1 Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS
	Compare the Nikon Coolpix P500 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1
Canon Powershot SX40 1 year newer $347 - $380	Significant advantages of the SX40 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Has a flip-out screen Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps Supports 24p Significant disadvantages of the SX40 (vs the PEN E-PL1) Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm Lacks an external mic jack Much larger: Professional size 123x92x108 mm vs Mid size 115x72x42 mm common strengths of the SX40 and PEN E-PL1 Better sensor types: CMOS vs CMOS Support external flash
	Compare the Canon Powershot SX40 vs the Olympus PEN E-PL1