Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-4

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus TG-4, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are built by Olympus. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and TG-4 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and TG-4 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was launched 5 years before the TG-4 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the TG-4 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus Tough TG-4. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus TG-4 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 features outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus TG-4 has sizing of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus TG-4 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 against the TG-4.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and TG-4 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing specs. The pic below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and TG-4.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus TG-4 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.