Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic SZ10

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic SZ10, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SZ10 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SZ10 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was introduced 5 years prior to the SZ10 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the SZ10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ10 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 features physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ10 has dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic SZ10 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 against the SZ10.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and SZ10 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and SZ10.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ10 will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.