Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic TS3

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic TS3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the TS3 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and TS3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was launched 15 months before the TS3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL1 grades vs the TS3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic TS3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic TS3 has dimensions of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic TS3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 versus the TS3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and TS3 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The photograph below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and TS3.

All in all, each of the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL1 includes the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field easier. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.