Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic S1

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic S1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and S1 (24MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and S1 (Full frame) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was launched 9 years before the S1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL1s matches up vs the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s offers exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has specifications of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") and a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s and the S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and S1 is 86 and 54 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The image here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and S1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic S1 will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.