Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PL1s

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus E-PL1s, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-520 was released 3 years earlier than the E-PL1s and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-520 grades vs the E-PL1s with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 features external measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL1s has measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus E-PL1s in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-520 versus the E-PL1s.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and E-PL1s is 68 and 86 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-520 and E-PL1s.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus E-PL1s to offer greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-520 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.