Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic SZ1

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic SZ1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was unveiled 20 months earlier than the SZ1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL1 grades vs the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 provides outside 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 SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 against the SZ1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and SZ1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The visual below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and SZ1.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will give you more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.