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Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Comparison

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Olympus E-P1

12 MP | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor

Olympus E-P1
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Olympus E-P2

12 MP | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor

Olympus E-P2
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Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the E-P1 and the E-P2, two Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by Olympus. Olympus E-P1 was introduced to the market in July 2009 and Olympus E-P2 was launched in April 2010. There is only 9 months difference between E-P1 and E-P2 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

E-P1 and E-P2 are members of Olympus's PEN E-P series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Olympus PEN E-P Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Olympus E-P7
  
2021 20.0MP - Four Thirds 118 x 69 x 38mm 337g
Olympus E-P5
  
2013 16.0MP - Four Thirds 122 x 69 x 37mm 420g
Olympus E-P3
  
2011 12.0MP - Four Thirds 122 x 69 x 34mm 369g
Olympus E-P2
2010 12.0MP - Four Thirds 121 x 70 x 36mm 355g
Olympus E-P1
2009 12.0MP - Four Thirds 121 x 70 x 36mm 355g

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Olympus E-P1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-07-29
  • 12MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 355g. 121 x 70 x 36 mm

Olympus E-P2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-04-22
  • 12MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 355g. 121 x 70 x 36 mm
  • Replaced Olympus PEN E-P1 Compare

Olympus E-P2 was replaced by Olympus PEN E-P3. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Olympus PEN E-P3 vs Olympus PEN E-P2
Olympus PEN E-P3 vs Olympus PEN E-P1

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Olympus PEN E-P1 over Olympus PEN E-P2
Low Light ISO
536 vs 505 better High ISO performance
CHECK E-P1 PRICE


Reasons to choose Olympus PEN E-P2 over Olympus PEN E-P1
Color Depth
21.5 vs 21.4 higher color depth
CHECK E-P2 PRICE

Common Strengths of Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-P2
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Common Weaknesses of Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-P2
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 230k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
New4
Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus E-P1 has external dimensions of 121 x 70 x 36 mm (4.76 x 2.76 x 1.42″) and weighs 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-P2 has external dimensions of 121 x 70 x 36 mm (4.76 x 2.76 x 1.42″) and weighs 355 g (0.78 lb / 12.52 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus E-P1 and the Olympus E-P2. In this case, we can see that Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have the exact same height, width and thickness.

Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Olympus E-P1 and the Olympus E-P2 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2.

Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Olympus E-P1 and the Olympus E-P2 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have exactly the same weight of 355g.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount and Four Thirds sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

E-P1
E-P2
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

E-P1
E-P2
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Olympus PEN E-P1 nor Olympus PEN E-P2 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2: Sensor Comparison

Both Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have Four Thirds sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the E-P1 and E-P2 sensor size comparison.

Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 Cameras


Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that E-P2 has a better overall score of 56, 1 points higher compared to E-P1's score of 55.

Model Overall Color Depth Dynamic Range Low-light ISO
Olympus E-P1 55 21.4 bits 10.4 Evs 536 ISO
Olympus E-P2 56 21.5 bits 10.4 Evs 505 ISO
Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

The number of available lenses is a big deciding factor when choosing your interchangeable lens camera. Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 121 native lenses available for these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 have Sensor-based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies.

Lens Type # of Olympus E-P1 Lenses # of Olympus E-P2 Lenses
Standard Zoom 18 18
Standard Prime 15 15
Wideangle Zoom 6 6
Wideangle Prime 32 32
Telephoto Zoom 19 19
Telephoto Prime 11 11
SuperZoom 8 8
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 5 5
Macro Prime 5 5
Perspective Control Prime n/a n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime 1 1
TOTAL 121 121

Here are some of the most popular Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for the E-P1 and the E-P2
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO Lens OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
FourThirds 382gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH
FourThirds 125gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 210gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS
FourThirds 1120gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 655gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 320gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 985gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ
FourThirds 91gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Olympus E-P1 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus E-P2 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Check the Best Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Olympus E-P1 for Street Photography

GOOD

Olympus E-P2 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Medium sized Body
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Check the Best Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Street Photography
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Optional External Viewfinder
Medium sized Body
Read the details

Olympus E-P1 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus E-P2 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
11 Focus Points
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No Built-in Viewfinder
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Check the Best Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Sports Photography
Image Stabilization
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
11 Focus Points
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Olympus E-P1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Olympus E-P2 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Medium size Body
355g
Read the details
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Medium size Body
355g
Read the details

Olympus E-P1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Olympus E-P2 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Check the Best Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P2: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far, but in case you wonder how we rated Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Olympus E-P1 and Olympus E-P2 scores compare:

Olympus E-P1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #102 out of 137 in Rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #445 out of 1268 in all Cameras
Olympus E-P2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #97 out of 137 in Rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #431 out of 1268 in all Cameras

Olympus E-P1
Olympus E-P1
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Olympus E-P2
Olympus E-P2
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Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus E-P1 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Olympus PEN E-P1 Olympus PEN E-P2
Brand Olympus Olympus
Announced 2009-07-29 2010-04-22
Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Four Thirds Four Thirds
Dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm 17.3 x 13 mm
Area 224.90mm2 224.90mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4032 x 3024 4032 x 3024
Max Native Light sensitivity 6,400 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Number of Available Lenses 121 121
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic (optional)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/180s 1/180s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps 3.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1280 x 720
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 355g 355g
Dimensions 121 x 70 x 36mm 121 x 70 x 36mm
Battery Life 300 shots 300 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 55 56
DxO Color Depth 21.4 21.5
DxO Dynamic Range 10.4 10.4
DxO Low Light ISO 536 505
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