Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-320

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-320, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the TG-320 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TG-320 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was unveiled 14 months before the TG-320 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-320 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL1s scores versus the TG-320 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Olympus TG-320. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Olympus TG-320 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys external measurements 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 TG-320 has sizing of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-320 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1s against the TG-320.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and TG-320 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The picture below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and TG-320.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus TG-320 will produce greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.