Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S1

Below is a complete overview of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the S1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was announced 7 months before the S1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up against the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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

If you are looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and S1 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The photograph here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and S1.

All in all, both of these cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 has the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.