• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PM1 advantages over Ricoh WG-50

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh WG-50 advantages over Olympus E-PM1

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    69 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PM1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus E-PL3

Ricoh WG-50
Olympus E-PL3
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh WG-50 vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic GF3X

Ricoh WG-50
Panasonic GF3X
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh WG-50 vs Panasonic GF3X

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF5
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic GF5

Ricoh WG-50
Panasonic GF5
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh WG-50 vs Panasonic GF5

Compared to Olympus TG-860

Olympus E-PM1
Olympus TG-860
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus TG-860

Ricoh WG-50
Olympus TG-860
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Ricoh WG-50 vs Olympus TG-860

Compared to Olympus TG-870

Olympus E-PM1
Olympus TG-870
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus TG-870

Ricoh WG-50
Olympus TG-870
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Ricoh WG-50 vs Olympus TG-870

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