Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FH1

The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FH1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FH1 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FH1 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 11 months after the FH1 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL1s grades against the FH1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s offers 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 FH1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FH1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s and the FH1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and FH1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The picture below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and FH1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s comes with the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL1s provides a benefit in sensor tech.