Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-2 iHS

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-2 iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and they are both built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the TG-2 iHS (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was introduced 3 years before the TG-2 iHS and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PL1s scores vs the TG-2 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s features external 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) whilst the Olympus TG-2 iHS has proportions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-2 iHS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-PL1s versus the TG-2 iHS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and TG-2 iHS is 86 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The photograph here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and TG-2 iHS.

Plainly, both the cameras have the same resolution but different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s has the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.