Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S1

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic S1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and S1 (24MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was introduced 9 years before the S1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL1 grades against the S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you should consider 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") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has sizing of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") having a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL1 vs the S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and S1 is 86 and 54 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The image here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and S1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic S1 will deliver greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.