Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 3 years prior to the XZ-2 iHS and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera 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 XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PL1 scores vs the XZ-2 iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 provides outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and XZ-2 iHS is 86 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL1 includes the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult. The older E-PL1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.