Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SZ-11

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SZ-11, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the SZ-11 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SZ-11 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 14 months prior to the SZ-11 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the SZ-11 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus SZ-11. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus SZ-11 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 features physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-11 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SZ-11 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 against the SZ-11.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and SZ-11 is 86 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through specifications. The pic below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and SZ-11.

Plainly, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SZ-11 will produce greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.