Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RS1500

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RS1500, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and RS1500 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 10 months prior to the RS1500 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL1 grades against the RS1500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with outer measurements 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 Pentax RS1500 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax RS1500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 and the RS1500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and RS1500 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The image below might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and RS1500.

Clearly, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Pentax RS1500 will provide greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.