Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the TG-630 iHS (12MP) is pretty close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and TG-630 iHS (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was released 3 years prior to the TG-630 iHS and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-630 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PL1 matches up against the TG-630 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus TG-630 iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus TG-630 iHS Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-630 iHS has dimensions of 98mm x 66mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the TG-630 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and TG-630 iHS is 86 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The graphic here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and TG-630 iHS.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL1 uses the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-PL1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.