Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FZ28

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FZ28, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FZ28 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FZ28 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was released 23 months after the FZ28 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ28 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL1s grades against the FZ28 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FZ28 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s comes with outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ28 has dimensions of 118mm x 75mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") and a weight of 417 grams (0.92 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FZ28 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL1s against the FZ28.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and FZ28 is 86 and 72 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking technical specs. The image underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and FZ28.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL1s will give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer E-PL1s is going to have an edge in sensor technology.