Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS80

Below, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was introduced 8 years prior to the ZS80 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL1 grades versus the ZS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS80 has dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL1 and the ZS80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and ZS80 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at specs. The image below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and ZS80.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS80 will resolve greater detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.