Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus Tough-3000

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus Tough-3000, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both are created by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the Tough-3000 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1s was brought out 11 months later than the Tough-3000 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL1s matches up versus the Tough-3000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s features physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus Tough-3000 has measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus Tough-3000 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1s against the Tough-3000.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and Tough-3000 is 86 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and Tough-3000.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL1s has got the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The fresher E-PL1s is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.