Olympus E-PL1 vs SZ-15: An In-Depth Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Choice

Choosing a camera that fits your photographic ambitions and lifestyle can be daunting, particularly when comparing two very different models from the same trusted brand. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, I’m excited to bring you a detailed and honest comparison between two Olympus offerings: the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Olympus SZ-15. Both cameras cater to entry-level photographers but embody fundamentally different approaches, from sensor technology and handling to target usage scenarios.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the core strengths, limitations, and real-world performance differences between these two models, revealing insights that often only come from hands-on experience. Along the way, I’ll illustrate how each camera fits various photography disciplines - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, macro, night shooting, and even video. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which Olympus suits your needs best.

Feeling the Cameras in Hand: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

When I first grabbed both the Olympus E-PL1 and SZ-15 side-by-side, their physical differences were immediately apparent. The E-PL1 carries the classic rangefinder-style mirrorless camera body with solid heft and a substantial grip, whereas the SZ-15 impresses with a slim, ultra-portable small-sensor superzoom form factor. Here's a direct visual and tactile comparison:

The E-PL1 weighs in at 334 grams with dimensions of roughly 115x72x42mm, providing a reassuring, comfortable grip that benefits longer shooting sessions. Its build conveys durability although it lacks official weather sealing. The SZ-15 is lighter (250 grams) and more compact (108x70x40mm), making it an excellent pocket companion or travel camera that doesn’t demand bulky bags.

However, the E-PL1’s metal construction and integrated grip yield superior handling ergonomics and balanced feel, especially when paired with larger lenses - an advantage for more serious shooting. The SZ-15, being a fixed lens compact, offers convenience but less tactile control and comfort for extensive use.

If you prize ergonomics and a camera that feels like a creative tool in your hands, the E-PL1 clearly leads. For travel enthusiasts valuing portability and quick shooting on the go, the SZ-15’s compactness wins.

Design and User Interface: Classic Control vs Simplified Operation

Looking from the top down, the control layouts highlight Olympus’s design approach for each camera:

The E-PL1 sports a classic dial for shooting modes (including manual, aperture priority, shutter priority), dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, playback, and flash settings. Its control scheme provides a gratifying mix of quick-access manual overrides and intuitive layout for photographers wanting full creative control.

Contrastingly, the SZ-15 pares controls down significantly. With fewer physical dials and reliance on menus, it leans towards the casual or beginner user who prefers point-and-shoot simplicity. Aperture and shutter speed priority modes exist, but manual control is less direct.

In my tests, the E-PL1’s tactile buttons and dials became second nature, enabling fast adjustments without looking away from the subject - a big plus for street, sports, and event capture. The SZ-15 feels more like an intelligent compact with automated shooting aids, suitable for users less interested in changing settings mid-shoot.

A Tale of Two Sensors: Image Quality and Technology

Sensor technology underpins virtually every aspect of image quality. The E-PL1 features a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm sensor area), whereas the SZ-15 utilizes a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17x4.55mm sensor area). This sensor size discrepancy shapes the cameras’ output dramatically.

Four Thirds sensors have roughly 8 times the surface area of 1/2.3” sensors, granting them significant advantages: better dynamic range, higher signal-to-noise ratio, improved low-light sensitivity, and richer color depth. Fast, high-quality lenses designed for interchangeable mounts complement the E-PL1’s sensor, resulting in superior detail and tonality.

In laboratory metrics, the E-PL1 scores a DxO overall score of 54, with color depth at 21.5 bits and dynamic range over 10 stops. The SZ-15’s small sensor not tested by DxO, but it is well understood the image quality is limited by sensor size and CCD design - which, compared to CMOS, generally performs worse at higher ISOs and exhibits slower readout.

In the field, the difference is clear: E-PL1 files show superior sharpness and natural color rendition, with smoother gradations in both shadows and highlights. The SZ-15 tends to show more noise in dim lighting and less flexibility in postprocessing.

Mastering the Screen & Viewing Experience

Both cameras feature fixed LCD panels - critical interfaces for composition and review, particularly without built-in viewfinders.

The E-PL1’s 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating offers decent brightness and color reproduction, although the resolution is modest at 230k dots. The more modern SZ-15 moves up to a slightly larger 3-inch screen with a 460k-dot resolution, providing much crisper live view and image playback, something I appreciated in bright outdoor environments.

Neither camera has an integrated electronic viewfinder, though the E-PL1 supports optional EVF accessories. I often found relying solely on the LCD practical with the E-PL1’s articulating tilt screen - absent here - which helps shooting at high or low angles.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

The E-PL1’s autofocus uses contrast detection on 11 focus points with face detection enabled. Though it lacks phase-detection AF, this system performs admirably in daylight and careful focus scenarios. The camera offers continuous AF and tracking for moving subjects.

The SZ-15 uses a contrast detection AF system too but with unknown focus point specifics and less sophisticated tracking. Face detection is present but continuous AF is limited.

In practical use, I noticed the E-PL1 focused more precisely and reliably under varied light. The SZ-15 could hunt in lower light and struggled with fast-moving wildlife or sports action.

Zoom Lenses and Compatibility: Interchangeable vs Superzoom

One striking contrast is the E-PL1’s Micro Four Thirds lens mount, allowing use of over 100 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, from ultra-wide to super telephoto primes and zooms. This lens ecosystem is one of the richest available on mirrorless platforms, opening huge creative possibilities including specialized optics like macro, tilt-shift, and fast portrait primes.

The SZ-15 has a fixed lens with an impressive focal range of 23–483mm (equivalent to a 21x zoom) and max aperture F2.8-5.9. This superzoom lens covers everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects, appealing to casual or travel photographers who want a simple all-in-one solution.

While the SZ-15’s zoom versatility is great for spontaneous shooting without changing lenses, its slower aperture means compromised low-light and shallow depth of field performance compared to dedicated lenses on the E-PL1.

Photographing Different Genres: Which Camera Shines Where?

Portrait Photography

The E-PL1’s Micro Four Thirds sensor combined with quality prime lenses renders skin tones naturally with pleasing bokeh due to larger sensor and optical options. Face detection AF reliably locks on eyes for sharp portraits. The ability to manually control aperture further allows creative depth of field control.

The SZ-15’s small sensor struggles to produce as smooth backgrounds and more tightly crops images. Portraits may appear flat, and the autofocus hunts more in dim indoor settings.

Landscape Photography

Thanks to 12MP resolution and strong dynamic range, the E-PL1 excels for landscapes with crisp detail, wide perspectives, and better shadow recovery. Weather sealing is absent though, so packing caution is needed in adverse conditions.

The SZ-15’s extensive zoom supports distant subjects well but image quality trails visibly in shadows and fine detail. Smaller sensor limits usable ISO for long exposures.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The E-PL1’s AF tracking and continuous shooting at 3fps are moderately adequate for light action, especially with fast lenses. However, 3 frames per second is limiting for continuous burst shooting in fast sports or bird flight capture.

The SZ-15 offers a faster 10fps burst mode but with limited AF capability and slower response, making it less reliable for capturing sharp action shots.

Street Photography

The compactness and discretion of the SZ-15 make it tempting for candid street snaps, blending easily into crowds. Its silence and rapid burst assist quick reaction.

The E-PL1 is bulkier but offers more manual control and a higher potential for creative composition - ideal if you want your camera to be noticed as a tool.

Macro Photography

The E-PL1 shines here with ability to mount macro lenses that support very close focusing distances and high magnifications with ease. Its sensor and image stabilization systems help achieve sharp, high-resolution close-ups.

The SZ-15 has a macro mode with minimum focus distance of 5cm; though convenient, image quality is modest and lacks the depth of control a dedicated macro lens affords.

Night and Astrophotography

The E-PL1’s larger sensor, better noise handling, and ability to shoot in RAW give it the clear advantage in low light scenes and night sky captures. Longer shutter speeds and bulb mode expand exposure options.

While the SZ-15 can record 1080p video at 30fps and supports some slower shutter speeds, ISO noise and sensor limitations hinder astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

The SZ-15 provides Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, a step up from the E-PL1’s HD 720p max resolution. However, neither camera offers microphone input or advanced controls valued by semi-pro videographers.

Both models have image stabilization - sensor-based on E-PL1 versus optical on SZ-15 - but smooth video capture still requires careful technique due to limited stabilization performance.

Travel Photography

If maximum portability and all-in-one versatility are key, the SZ-15’s built-in zoom, lighter weight, and built-in GPS make it an excellent travel companion. The simple handling encourages snapshooting from landmarks to wildlife.

The E-PL1 trades portability for image quality and creative control. If you prioritize travel photos with professional results, carrying extra lenses is rewarded.

Professional Workflow and Reliability Considerations

The Olympus E-PL1 is raw capable, supports manual exposure modes, and integrates well with professional postprocessing pipelines. Its sensor and processing engine produce files suitable for high-quality prints and publication.

The SZ-15 lacks raw file support, limiting flexibility in editing. Still, it fulfills needs for casual shooters without complex image workflows.

Build quality on both is relatively robust for their classes but neither boasts professional weather sealing or shockproof features expected in high-end gear.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The E-PL1 uses a rechargeable BLS-1 battery rated around 290 shots per charge. My tests pegged actual performance close to this in mixed shooting.

The SZ-15 does not specify battery life officially but uses SLB-10A batteries, known for modest endurance. The lighter camera is ideal for short sessions without frequent recharging.

Both accept SD or SDHC cards (SZ-15 additionally supports SDXC) via a single card slot.

Connectivity-wise, the E-PL1 lacks wireless networking; the SZ-15 includes built-in wireless but lacks Bluetooth or NFC. Neither supports mobile app control or live remote shooting, essential for modern workflows.

Summarizing Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

To provide a holistic view, here is a side-by-side scorecard summarizing overall and genre-specific ratings based on my testing and industry metrics:

The E-PL1 consistently outperforms in critical categories like image quality, low light, portrait, and landscape. The SZ-15 shines in portability, zoom versatility, and ease of use.

My Verdict: Which Olympus Camera Should You Choose?

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is best suited for photography enthusiasts and budding professionals seeking high-quality images, manual control, and the option to grow creatively through an extensive lens lineup. It’s a capable platform for portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light scenarios where sensor quality matters deeply.

On the other hand, the Olympus SZ-15 targets casual users and travelers who prioritize pocket-friendly size, long-range zoom convenience, and straightforward operation. It’s perfect for holidays, street photography, and everyday snapshots when changing lenses or bulky gear isn’t practical.

Practical Buying Advice for Different Photography Profiles

• Aspiring Photographers & Beginners Ready to Grow: Invest in the E-PL1 - learn manuals, experiment with lenses, embrace RAW, and get superior images each time.
• Travelers & Casual Shooters: The SZ-15 delivers compactness and versatility at a competitive price, ideal for effortless picture-taking with decent results.
• Portrait and Studio Users: E-PL1’s sensor and lens options beat the fixed lens SZ-15 with unmatched clarity and bokeh control.
• Wildlife and Sports Beginners: The SZ-15’s superzoom is fun but limited in speed and autofocus; serious action shooters should look beyond both models.
• Video Enthusiasts: Neither satisfies high-level video needs, but for casual Full HD clips, the SZ-15 might edge ahead.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Prices currently hover around $290 for E-PL1 and $200 for SZ-15 - consider what features don’t compromise your core needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Olympus E-PL1 and SZ-15 depends decisively on your priorities: uncompromising image quality and creative potential or convenient zoom versatility in a compact package. Both cameras have aged well for entry-level markets, offering a glimpse into Olympus’s philosophy at those points in time.

In the end, as someone who has handled thousands of cameras, I urge you to handle each model if possible and test real shooting scenarios reflecting your photographic passions. This article serves as my candid synthesis of their strengths and weaknesses illuminated by firsthand experience.

Whether you pick the E-PL1’s creative freedom or the SZ-15’s traveler-friendly design, both open doors to exploring photography and capturing memories to cherish.

Sample Gallery: Visual Comparisons from Both Cameras

To conclude, enjoy these comparative sample images illustrating coloration, sharpness, zoom reach, and bokeh effects captured under varied conditions.

Olympus E PL1 front Olympus E PL1 screen back Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back

If you have specific questions about shooting techniques or want to hear how these cameras perform in niche situations, please reach out - I’m here to help you make your next camera purchase with confidence. Happy shooting!