Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax S1

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 9 months before the S1 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PL1 scores vs the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 offers 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) while the Pentax S1 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 S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and S1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and S1.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax S1 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.