Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FS15

Following is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FS15, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FS15 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was released 23 months after the FS15 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL1s grades vs the FS15 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS15 has dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FS15 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1s and the FS15.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and FS15 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by checking specs. The picture here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and FS15.

All in all, both the cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1s uses the larger sensor which will make achieving bokeh less difficult. The fresher E-PL1s will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.