Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-1 iHS

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-1 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the TG-1 iHS (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was brought out 17 months earlier than the TG-1 iHS which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL1s scores against the TG-1 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys outer measurements 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 TG-1 iHS has proportions of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-1 iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the TG-1 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and TG-1 iHS is 86 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and TG-1 iHS.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s contains the bigger sensor which will make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.