Olympus E-400 vs Olympus E-PL1s

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-400 and Olympus E-PL1s, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-400 (10MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is very similar and they use the same exact sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

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The E-400 was launched 5 years prior to the E-PL1s and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-400 scores against the E-PL1s in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-400 and Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-400 has exterior dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL1s has proportions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-400 and Olympus E-PL1s in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-400 compared to the E-PL1s.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and E-PL1s is 77 and 86 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-400 and E-PL1s.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus E-PL1s to deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older E-400 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.