Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FP7

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FP7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and FP7 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FP7 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was brought out very close to the FP7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL1s grades against the FP7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s provides outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic FP7 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FP7 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 attached at that moment. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the FP7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and FP7 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and FP7.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FP7 will produce greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively.