Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FX580

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FX580, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was announced 22 months later than the FX580 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL1s scores against the FX580 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s offers outside dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic FX580 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FX580 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s against the FX580.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and FX580 is 86 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and FX580.

All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL1s provides the bigger sensor which will make achieving bokeh simpler. The more recent E-PL1s will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.