Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FS12

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FS12, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FS12 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FS12 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was manufactured 14 months after the FS12 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the FS12 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got physical 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) while the Panasonic FS12 has sizing of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FS12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 and the FS12.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and FS12 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to see the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through technical specs. The picture here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FS12.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1 has got the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The more recent E-PL1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.