Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus E-PM2

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus E-PM2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and they are both created by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and E-PM2 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was announced 3 years before the E-PM2 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PL1s grades against the E-PM2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus PEN E-PM2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus E-PM2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s comes with outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus E-PM2 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus E-PM2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1s and the E-PM2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and E-PM2 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The visual here may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and E-PM2.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus E-PM2 to render more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL1s will be behind with regard to sensor tech.