Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS70

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS70, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and ZS70 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZS70 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was revealed 8 years prior to the ZS70 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL1 matches up against the ZS70 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS70 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS70 has dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS70 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 vs the ZS70.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and ZS70 is 86 and 87 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and ZS70.

All in all, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS70 will give extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.