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Olympus E-PM1 Comparison Review

The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in June 2011 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Olympus E-PM1 a good camera? The E-PM1 has a Camera Elo of 1393. This rating puts the E-PM1 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the E-PM1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Olympus E-PM1 is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PM1
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60i Video
ISO 100 - 12 800
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization
330 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 34 mm, 265 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Olympus E-PM1 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Olympus E-PM1 vs credit card front
E-PM1 versus credit card top view
E-PM1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Olympus E-PM1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Olympus E-PM1 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. 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.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Olympus E-PM1 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Olympus E-PM1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Olympus E-PM1 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
3.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
7.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
8.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
10.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The E-PM1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the E-PM1 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Olympus E-PM1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   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.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
4.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the E-PM1 from many older cameras is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-PM1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while cameras without IBIS have to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

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Connection 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 Olympus PEN E-PM1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the E-PM1 can be found in the free online Olympus E-PM1 Manual or on the Olympus support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the E-PM1 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Olympus E-PM1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the E-PM1.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Olympus E-PM1?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Olympus E-PM1 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Olympus equipped the E-PM1 with the TruePic VI image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Olympus E-PM1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.

Can the Olympus E-PM1 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Olympus provides the VF-2 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Olympus PEN E-PM1?

Olympus does not publish a shutter rating for the E-PM1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Olympus E-PM1?

Olympus embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your E-PM1 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Olympus E-PM1 shutter count page.

Does the Olympus E-PM1 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Olympus E-PM1 for flash photography?

The E-PM1's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Olympus E-PM1 use?

The camera gets its power from the BLS-5 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Olympus E-PM1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date June 2011
    Launch Price USD 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 032 x 3 024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm
    Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic VI
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 52
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 499
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BLS-5 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 34 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 265 g (9.3 oz)

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