Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic 3D1

The following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic 3D1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was unveiled 11 months before the 3D1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL1s grades against the 3D1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s features outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has proportions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic 3D1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the 3D1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and 3D1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specs. The picture underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and 3D1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s has got the larger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.