• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Olympus E-PL1 advantages over Leica M (Typ 240)

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    15 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Leica M (Typ 240) advantages over Olympus E-PL1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.05 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    24.0 vs 21.5 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,860 vs 487 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.3 vs 10.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-P2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster shutter
Leica M (Typ 240)
Olympus E-P2
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus E-PL2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-PL2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica M (Typ 240)
Olympus E-PL2
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-P3
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica M (Typ 240)
Olympus E-P3
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Olympus E-PL1
Leica M Monochrom
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M Monochrom
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Olympus E-PL1
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $7999
  • 35mm
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