Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FZ80

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FZ80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and FZ80 (18MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FZ80 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was unveiled 7 years prior to the FZ80 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL1s scores vs the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s provides outer 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) while the Panasonic FZ80 has proportions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FZ80 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 use during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s and the FZ80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and FZ80 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and FZ80.

As you can see, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FZ80 will produce extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s will be behind with regard to sensor tech.