Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic TS20

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic TS20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and TS20 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and TS20 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL1 was released 20 months prior to the TS20 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL1 scores versus the TS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic TS20 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic TS20 has measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 19mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic TS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 against the TS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and TS20 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The image here might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and TS20.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic TS20 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.