Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic F5

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic F5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the F5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and F5 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1s was manufactured 3 years before the F5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL1s grades vs the F5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic F5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys 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) and the Panasonic F5 has measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic F5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the F5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and F5 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Usually, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and F5.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic F5 will deliver greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.