Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-860

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL1s and Olympus TG-860, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both are sold by Olympus. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and TG-860 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TG-860 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 5 years prior to the TG-860 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PL1s grades against the TG-860 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s features outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-860 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s and Olympus TG-860 in our completely new 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. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s against the TG-860.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and TG-860 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The photograph here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and TG-860.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus TG-860 will give you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.