Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
      61
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      63
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and the Olympus PEN E-PM1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 was introduced in July 2010 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 was introduced in November 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Olympus PEN E-PM1 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 35 Focus Points (35 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
      4. Advantage of Olympus PEN E-PM1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 over Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4032 x 3024
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Built-in Flash vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 607 vs 499
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 21.0
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 10.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 52
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Olympus PEN E-PM1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus PEN E-PM1 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Olympus PEN E-PM1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,800
      More Focus Points 9 vs 35
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 460k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 5.5 fps
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) vs 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 230 shots vs 330 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus PEN E-PM1.

      Olympus PEN E-PM2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN-F
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P7
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL3
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12.3 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL6
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL1s
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL5
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-PL8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Olympus PEN E-PM1
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        HDMI Output Mini type C
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Olympus PEN E-PM1
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel12.3 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot460k dot
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life230 shots330 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a 2.7" Tilting screen with 230k dot resolution and Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 460k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.74x (0.49x 35mm equivalent) magnification.Olympus PEN E-PM1 does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Olympus PEN E-PM1 features a 12.3 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 2272, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Olympus PEN E-PM1 is equipped with TruePic VI processor and can take pictures up to 4032 x 3024 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has Sony A lens mount and Olympus PEN E-PM1 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor in Olympus PEN E-PM1 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has an HDMI and Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a Mini type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots and Olympus PEN E-PM1 comes with BLS-5 battery pack with battery life of 330 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, and up to 1/4000 sec on Olympus PEN E-PM1. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Olympus PEN E-PM1 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps.


      Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Olympus PEN E-PM1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39") and Olympus PEN E-PM1 body has dimensions of 110 x 64 x 34 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.34"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) and Olympus PEN E-PM1 weighs 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      110 mm

      64 mm

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      97 mm

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      64 mm

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      86 mm

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      34 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Olympus PEN E-PM1

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   Small Sensor
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Olympus PEN E-PM1 and give them scores of 61 and 63 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      63

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Olympus PEN E-PM1

      BAD
      38
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 265 g (0.58 lb / 9.35 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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