A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus E-PL1

The Nikon Z50 and the Olympus PEN E-PL1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2019 and February 2010. Both the Z50 and the E-PL1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (Z50) and a Four Thirds (E-PL1) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Z50
versus
Olympus E-PL1
Nikon Z50   Olympus E-PL1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.7 MP – APS-C sensor 12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (100 - 204,800) ISO 200-3,200
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1040k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
320 shots per battery charge290 shots per battery charge
127 x 94 x 60 mm, 450 g 115 x 72 x 42 mm, 334 g
logo
Check Z50 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check E-PL1 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z50 and the Olympus PEN E-PL1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z50 and the Olympus E-PL1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL1 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, yellow, white), while the Z50 is only available in black.

Size Nikon Z50 vs Olympus E-PL1
Compare Z50 versus E-PL1 top
Comparison Z50 or E-PL1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL1 is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Nikon Z50. Moreover, the E-PL1 is markedly lighter (26 percent) than the Z50. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Z50 is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PL1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z50 gets 320 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL25 battery, while the E-PL1 can take 290 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-1 power pack. The power pack in the Z50 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z50 127 mm 94 mm 60 mm 450 g 320 Y Oct 2019 US$ 859 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M50 116 mm 88 mm 59 mm 390 g 235 n Feb 2018 US$ 779ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3 133 mm 93 mm 59 mm 539 g 390 Y Sep 2018 US$ 1 499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z30 128 mm 74 mm 60 mm 405 g 330 Y Jun 2022 US$ 709 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z fc 135 mm 94 mm 44 mm 445 g 300 n Jun 2021 US$ 959 amazon.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A6100 120 mm 67 mm 59 mm 396 g 420 n Aug 2019 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A6300 120 mm 67 mm 49 mm 404 g 400 Y Feb 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A6400 120 mm 67 mm 50 mm 403 g 410 Y Jan 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-PL1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 30 percent) than the Z50, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z50 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-PL1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PL1 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the Z50 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PL1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon Z50 and Olympus E-PL1 sensor measures

With 20.7MP, the Z50 offers a higher resolution than the E-PL1 (12.2MP), but the Z50 has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.22μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL1). However, the Z50 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 8 months) than the E-PL1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Z50 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z50 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z50 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL1 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z50 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon Z50 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 100-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL1 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z50 versus E-PL1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z50 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.113.6196384
2.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
3.
 
Canon M50 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/24p23.813.3168481
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/60p24.013.4185383
5.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
6.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
7.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
8.
 
Nikon Z30 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.313.9223086
9.
 
Nikon Z fc APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.213.8213185
10.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
11.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
12.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
13.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
14.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
15.
 
Sony A6100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6194784
16.
 
Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.7143785
17.
 
Sony A6400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.6143183
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Z50 provides a higher video resolution than the E-PL1. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 720/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z50 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon Z50, the Olympus E-PL1, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Z502360 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon M502360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T33690 n3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon Z30none n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon Z fc2360 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A61001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony A64002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z50 has a touchscreen, while the E-PL1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Z50 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the E-PL1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z50 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z50 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Z50 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the E-PL1 uses SDHC cards. The Z50 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-PL1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Z50 and Olympus PEN E-PL1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon M50Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
6.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Nikon Z30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z fcYstereo / monoY-micro3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Sony A6100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A6400Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY

It is notable that the Z50 has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PL1. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The Z50 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the E-PL1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-PL1 was succeeded by the Olympus E-PL2. Further information on the features and operation of the Z50 and E-PL1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z50 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL1 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon Z50 and the Olympus E-PL1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z50:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.7 vs 12.2MP) with a 33% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (320 versus 290) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 8 months of technical progress since the E-PL1 launch.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN E-PL1:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (115x72mm vs 127x94mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 116g or 26 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (30 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z50 is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Z50 26:06 E-PL1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z50 and the Olympus E-PL1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Z50 or the E-PL1. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z505/5..5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 US$ 859 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M50..+4/579/100..3.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 779ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T35/5+ +4.5/588/1005/55/5 Sep 2018 US$ 1 499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Z304/5..4/586/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2022 US$ 709 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z fc4/5..4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2021 US$ 959 amazon.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A6100....4/582/1004/55/5 Aug 2019 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A63004.5/5+..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A64004/5+4/585/1004.5/54/5 Jan 2019 US$ 899 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check Z50 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check E-PL1 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon Z50 vs Olympus E-PL1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2019 February 2010
    Launch Price USD 859 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 4032 x 3024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.22 μm 4.29 μm
    Pixel Density 5.60 MP/cm2 5.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 6 Truepic V
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 54
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 10.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 487
    Screen Specs Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.68x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/4000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon Z50 Olympus E-PL1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL25 Olympus BLS-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge290 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 94 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.4 in)
    115 x 72 x 42 mm
    (4.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 450 g (15.9 oz) 334 g (11.8 oz)
    logo
    Check Z50 price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check E-PL1 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon Z50 vs Olympus E-PL1