Head-to-Head: Olympus OM-D E-M1X vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 - A Tale of Two Cameras

Choosing the right camera often means balancing your photographic ambitions with practical considerations. The Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 represent strikingly different approaches to photography, designed to serve very different user needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore everything - from sensor technology and autofocus performance to durability and genre-specific use cases - so you can find which one aligns with your creative journey and workflow.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

The Olympus E-M1X positions itself as a professional-grade, SLR-style mirrorless camera, boasting robust, ergonomic features designed for serious photographers. Its substantial body measures 144x147x75 mm and weighs just under 1 kg (997g), offering a confident grip and extensive physical controls.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS1 is a compact, ruggedized point-and-shoot camera. Its small footprint (98x63x23 mm) and featherlight weight (189g) make it far more portable. This design invites spontaneous shooting and travel use, especially in challenging environments.

The E-M1X impresses with a comprehensive top control layout, dual joysticks, and customizable buttons tailored for rapid access to settings - a photographer’s dream for intuitive operation in dynamic situations. The TS1 offers a simpler interface with minimal external controls, emphasizing durability over customization.

If you value tactile control and a solid build for demanding shoots, the Olympus will feel right at home in your hands. For casual outings or adventures where carrying a lightweight, waterproof camera matters most, the Panasonic TS1’s compactness is unbeatable.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs 1/2.3"

The heart of image quality lies in sensor technology. The Olympus OM-D E-M1X sports a 20MP Four Thirds sensor (17.4x13mm, 226.2 mm² sensor area), paired with dual TruePic VIII processors that optimize image detail, color accuracy, and noise reduction. Although it uses a relatively smaller sensor than full frame cameras, the Micro Four Thirds sensor strikes a strong balance between size and image quality.

By comparison, the Panasonic TS1 uses a much smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm, 27.7 mm² sensor area) with a 12MP resolution. Its fixed lens and smaller pixel pitch limit its ability to capture fine detail and excel in low light.

Here’s how these sensor differences translate practically:

In real-world use, the E-M1X produces cleaner high ISO shots with more natural colors and sharper details. The Panasonic TS1 fulfills basic image needs with decent daylight results but struggles in low light or demanding exposures.

Autofocus Performance: Precision Meets Speed

The Olympus E-M1X incorporates a sophisticated autofocus (AF) system with 121 hybrid autofocus points combining phase detection and contrast detection. It supports fast single-shot AF, continuous tracking, touch autofocusing, face and eye detection, and even selective focus areas - features that pro and enthusiast photographers rely on.

On the other hand, the Panasonic TS1 uses a simpler contrast-detection AF limited to 11 points and no face or eye detection. Its AF speed and tracking capabilities are designed mainly for casual shooting rather than fast-action scenarios.

For wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects, the E-M1X’s AF system provides confidence and precision. If your photography leans toward relaxed travel or snapshot use, the TS1’s autofocus will suffice.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Professional Toughness vs Rugged Compactness

Weather sealing is critical, especially outdoors. The Olympus E-M1X excels with comprehensive environmental sealing against dust and splash conditions - ideal for professionals shooting in rain or dusty environments. Although not specifically marketed as waterproof, the E-M1X is freeze and shock-resistant to some extent.

The Panasonic TS1 wins entirely on water resistance, with full waterproofing, dustproofing, and shockproofing aimed at rugged travel, adventure, and underwater photography. It lacks a traditional viewfinder but compensates with straightforward waterproof capabilities that let you shoot worry-free at the beach, pool, or on hikes.

If you prioritize a professional, weather-resilient system adaptable to various lenses and tasks, the E-M1X is a rugged partner. For an all-weather compact companion ready for active adventures, the TS1 shines.

LCD Screen, EVF, and User Interface

The E-M1X features a 3" fully articulating, touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dots - excellent for low- and high-angle shooting - and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k-dot resolution covering 100% frame and 0.74x magnification. This combination enables precise composition in bright light and rich UI feedback.

The TS1 offers a fixed 2.7" LCD screen with just 230k dots and no EVF. Its interface is minimal, lacking touchscreen or advanced menu customization, reflecting its point-and-shoot simplicity.

For those who depend on precise framing and touch control when shooting video or stills, the Olympus is by far the superior experience.

Versatile Lens Ecosystem vs Fixed Lens Convenience

The E-M1X's Micro Four Thirds mount supports over 100 lenses across Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party brands. You can shoot ultrawide landscapes, portraits with creamy bokeh, macro close-ups, or super-telephoto wildlife photos by swapping lenses - a true creative playground.

The Panasonic TS1 features a fixed 28-128mm (35mm equiv.) zoom f/3.3-5.9 lens, covering moderate wide to medium telephoto. While convenient, it limits artistic and technical exploration.

If you're eager to grow your lens collection and tailor your imaging to diverse situations, the Olympus system delivers freedom. For effortless point-and-shoot travel or underwater use, the Panasonic's fixed lens suffices.

Burst Shooting, Video, and Additional Features

Burst Speed: The Olympus E-M1X impresses with an outstanding continuous shooting speed of 60 fps (electronic shutter), ideal for sports and wildlife photography. The Panasonic TS1’s burst mode is limited to 2 fps.

Video: The E-M1X shoots professional 4K video (4096 x 2160 at 24p) with clean H.264 codec and linear PCM audio, plus HDMI and microphone/headphone jacks for serious vlogging or cinematic work. The TS1 records 720p HD video, suitable for casual clips.

Other Features: The Olympus includes advanced connectivity (built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), dual SD card slots, GPS, in-body 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, and comprehensive exposure metering.

The Panasonic relies on USB 2.0, HDMI out, internal storage support for popular SD cards, and optical image stabilization in the lens.

This makes the E-M1X a serious multimedia tool for hybrid shooters. The TS1 offers essential features for those focused mainly on stills and casual video.

Battery Life, Weight, and Travel Convenience

The Olympus E-M1X has an internal battery delivering approx. 870 shots per charge - excellent for extended shoots. Despite its higher weight, it remains transportable with quality packing.

The Panasonic TS1’s battery life specs are unclear, but its compact size and simplicity offer effortless pocketability, perfect for travel or active outdoor use where carrying big camera bodies is a burden.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: The 20MP sensor, reliable face and eye AF, and interchangeable fast primes deliver stunning skin tones and flattering bokeh. Articulated screen helps with creative angles.
• Panasonic TS1: Limited by fixed lens aperture and lack of face detection, useful mainly for casual snapshots with less background blur.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: Offers dynamic range, detailed resolution, weather sealing, and compatibility with wide-angle lenses. Ideal for pro landscapes.
• Panasonic TS1: Compact, rugged, decent wide-angle, but limited resolution and dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: Fast burst rates and advanced tracking autofocus make it reliable for birds and fast movers with telephotos.
• Panasonic TS1: Too slow and limited zoom for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: High frame rate and tracking AF are critical for sports action.
• Panasonic TS1: Not designed for fast-action capture.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: Larger but still manageable; excellent AF and image quality.
• Panasonic TS1: Ideal for discreet, lightweight carry and instant street snaps.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: Supports focus stacking and interchangeable macro lenses.
• Panasonic TS1: Macro mode focused on fixed close distance; less versatile.

Night / Astro Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: High ISO performance and longer exposures aided by stabilization.
• Panasonic TS1: Limited due to sensor and image quality.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-M1X: Professional 4K, microphone/headphone ports, advanced stabilization.
• Panasonic TS1: HD video, fixed lens, simple setup.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-M1X: Versatile, rugged, but bulkier.
• Panasonic TS1: Lightweight, waterproof, durable for adventure.

Professional Work

• Olympus E-M1X: Comprehensive file support (raw), workflow compatibility, reliability.
• Panasonic TS1: Basic JPEG only; more casual.

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Panasonic TS1 front Panasonic TS1 screen back

Technical Summary Table

Final Verdict: Match Your Camera to Your Vision

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a powerhouse offering pro-level image quality, comprehensive manual control, and rugged construction aimed at serious photographers and multimedia creators who demand versatility across genres. Its price and size reflect its professional ambitions, but its capabilities reward photographers with reliable, creative performance.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is a niche specialty: a rugged, waterproof compact that excels in casual, adventure, and travel photography scenarios where portability and durability outweigh the need for technical refinement. Its modest price makes it approachable for beginners seeking a no-fuss camera for outdoor activities.

Your Takeaway

• Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1X if:

  • You want ultimate creative flexibility with lenses and manual settings.
  • You shoot portraits, wildlife, sports, landscapes, or video professionally or seriously.
  • You need advanced autofocus, fast burst rates, and excellent high ISO performance.
  • You want a robust weather-sealed body with excellent usability.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 if:

  • You want a rugged, waterproof compact for travel, hiking, or underwater adventures.
  • You prefer simplicity over manual controls.
  • Your budget is limited, or you want a durable secondary camera.
  • You shoot casual stills and light video.

Both cameras serve distinct roles. Consider your photographic interests, working conditions, and investment level before making your choice. Hands-on experience remains invaluable - check your local camera store to compare these models side by side. Explore lenses and accessories for the Olympus, or try the TS1 on your next outdoor trip to appreciate its hardy design.

We hope this detailed comparison guides you confidently toward a camera that empowers your creative vision!