Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SZ-11

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Olympus SZ-11, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the SZ-11 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and SZ-11 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 8 months before the SZ-11 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL1s matches up versus the SZ-11 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Olympus SZ-11. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Olympus SZ-11 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s comes with exterior 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) whilst the Olympus SZ-11 has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s versus Olympus SZ-11 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1s versus the SZ-11.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and SZ-11 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and SZ-11.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus SZ-11 will offer extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.