Olympus FE-4030 vs Olympus E-PL1s

Below is a extended review of the Olympus FE-4030 and Olympus E-PL1s, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is fairly close but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FE-4030 was unveiled 10 months before the E-PL1s so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FE-4030 grades vs the E-PL1s with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-4030 and Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus FE-4030 enjoys outside dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1s has sizing of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus FE-4030 and Olympus E-PL1s in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the FE-4030 and the E-PL1s.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FE-4030 and E-PL1s is 95 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The graphic below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-4030 and E-PL1s.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FE-4030 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus FE-4030 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos way more aggressively. The older FE-4030 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.