Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus TG-4

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1s versus Olympus TG-4, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and TG-4 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TG-4 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was brought out 5 years earlier than the TG-4 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL1s scores versus the TG-4 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Olympus Tough TG-4. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Olympus TG-4 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys exterior dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus TG-4 has dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s versus Olympus TG-4 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s vs the TG-4.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and TG-4 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specifications. The visual here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and TG-4.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus TG-4 will give you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.