Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was revealed 13 months after the ZS1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up versus the ZS1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 provides outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the ZS1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and ZS1 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The picture below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and ZS1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL1 will provide greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PL1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.