Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1: In-Depth Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When I first laid hands on both the Olympus PEN E-PL1s and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1, I sensed the challenge - two very different cameras from the early 2010s, each targeting distinct corners of the photography world. The E-PL1s is a classic entry-level mirrorless with a Four Thirds sensor and interchangeable lenses, while the LF1 is a compact fixed-lens powerhouse, boasting a faster lens and high-res electronic viewfinder. Over the years, I’ve tested thousands of cameras, so diving into these two has been a fascinating exercise in assessing how sensor size, design philosophy, and feature sets translate into real-world performance and creative freedom. Let’s unravel their strengths and trade-offs systematically, across photography disciplines, technical nuances, and use cases.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics - First Impressions Matter

Right out of the box, the Olympus E-PL1s feels more substantial than the Panasonic LF1. Measuring 115 x 72 x 42 mm and weighing 334 grams, the E-PL1s exhibits a rangefinder-style mirrorless body that invites a more deliberate grip and familiar photographic posture. It strikes a balance between compactness and usability reminiscent of classic cameras, with enough heft to feel stable but still portable.

In comparison, the LF1 is a compact, pocketable unit (103 x 62 x 28 mm, 192 grams), far smaller and lighter. Its fixed lens folds neatly into the body, and its layout prioritizes discretion and quick, on-the-fly shooting - ideal for street photographers or travelers who prefer minimal gear.

Control layouts highlight this difference. The E-PL1s offers a traditional top and rear dial arrangement with physical buttons dedicated to ISO, exposure compensation, and exposure modes, lending itself to more precise manual adjustments. The LF1’s controls, while logically laid out, lean on smaller buttons due to its compact form factor; some dials feel a touch cramped when working hands-on for longer sessions.

For users who crave tactile feedback and a camera designed to be held and adjusted with intention, the E-PL1s resonates. For those valuing portability and covert shooting, LF1 excels. My real-world shooting sessions - ranging from busy urban streets to nature walks - reflect these ergonomics perfectly: the E-PL1s is my choice for planned sessions with tripod and lens swaps, while the LF1 is that always-ready companion.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality – The Heart of the Camera

Underneath their distinct exteriors, these cameras house markedly different sensors that influence their performance and output quality.

The Olympus E-PL1s features a Four Thirds 17.3mm x 13mm CMOS sensor, delivering 12 megapixels at a 4:3 aspect ratio. This sensor is nearly four times the area of the LF1’s 1/1.7” sensor (7.44mm x 5.58mm), which also offers 12 megapixels but with a native 4:3 crop factor.

In practical terms, the larger Four Thirds sensor of the Olympus can collect more light, translating into better dynamic range, cleaner high ISO performance, and richer color fidelity - if paired with quality glass and proper settings. Through side-by-side tests, I found the E-PL1s delivered noticeably better detail in shadow recovery and more natural skin tones with less noise creeping above ISO 1600.

The Panasonic LF1, however, is no slouch. The smaller sensor paired with a bright f/2.0 lens at the wide end enables impressive sharpness and contrast for a compact camera. Its smaller sensor, though, limits dynamic range and noise handling, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. The LF1 also supports boosted ISO up to 12800, but images at extreme sensitivity show rapid degradation, reinforcing its preferred use at lower ISOs.

Both cameras implement an anti-aliasing filter, which helps prevent moiré but slightly softens microdetail - a reasonable tradeoff for their sensor class.

When pixel peeping sample RAW files or JPEGs, the Olympus’s sensor edge is clear for demanding photography styles needing fine detail and tonality, while the LF1’s sensor caters more to casual shooters prioritizing convenience.

Mastering Focus - Which Autofocus Works Better When It Counts?

Autofocus is the key determining factor between capturing a fleeting expression or a decisive wildlife moment and missing it.

The Olympus E-PL1s uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, incorporating face detection and tracking options. Though early by today’s standards and slower than hybrid or phase-detect systems, it performs steadily in well-lit scenarios. Its ability to track subjects in continuous AF mode works acceptably at the 3 fps burst shooting speed.

The Panasonic LF1 advances with 23 contrast-detection AF points and face detection, achieving slightly faster and more accurate autofocus in most tested conditions. Its continuous AF coupled with a much higher 10 fps burst rate empowers photographers to capture fast action better in casual sports or street settings.

Neither camera supports advanced phase-detection autofocus, eye-tracking AI, or animal detection, which modern pros might miss. However, both allow manual focus via focus rings (Olympus requiring compatible lenses).

In dim or low-contrast environments, both cameras struggle, but the LF1’s faster lens and more focus points edge out the E-PL1s in acquiring lock quickly. For macro and precise manual focusing, I find the E-PL1s's larger sensor magnification in live-view aids critical evaluation better.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or built ruggedly, nor do they claim shock or freeze-proof credentials. The Olympus body feels more robust and thoughtfully engineered, with a metal lens mount and solid grip materials. The Panasonic LF1’s compact plastic body fits the travel and street compact camera mold - less resilient but exceedingly portable.

If you shoot in harsh weather or demanding outdoor conditions often, these models will require careful handling or additional protective accessories.

LCD Screens and Electronic Viewfinders - Directing Your Vision

The Olympus E-PL1s sports a 2.7-inch fixed HyperCrystal LCD with relatively low 230k-dot resolution. Its anti-reflective coating aids visibility outdoors but the small size and low pixel density limit framing precision and image review detail.

The Panasonic LF1 offers a much-improved 3-inch TFT LCD at 920k dots, making live view framing and menu navigation a smoother experience. More immersive, it better serves video shooting and image playback preferences.

While the E-PL1s lacks a built-in EVF, Olympus offers an optional external electronic viewfinder unit. This standalone finder enhances stability and eye-level shooting but adds bulk and cost. The LF1, however, has a built-in EVF - though lower in resolution - enabling discreet, compositionally precise framing in bright sunlight or street conditions.

From hands-on use, I found myself relying heavily on the LF1’s EVF in bright environments, while the Olympus feels more natural when composed on a tripod or in shaded areas.

Lenses and Optical Versatility - The Gear You’ll Want

Herein lies one of the biggest divides: The Olympus E-PL1s uses the Micro Four Thirds system mount, compatible with over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. Whether your passion is ultra-wide landscapes, macro exploration, portraiture with creamy bokeh, or telephoto wildlife, the system offers dedicated optics for all these disciplines.

In contrast, the Panasonic LF1 features a fixed 28–200mm equivalent zoom lens with an aperture ranging from fast f/2.0 at wide to f/5.9 at the tele end. This lens covers a useful focal range for travel and everyday shooting but offers no interchangeability.

The Olympus’s adaptability is its greatest asset, but it comes at the cost of carrying extra lenses and spending more upfront. The LF1’s lens, in comparison, excels in convenience and versatility for one-camera travel or street use, but specializations like macro or super telephoto require compromises.

Battery Life and Storage - Staying Powered on Location

Battery life on both cameras spills into the modest range, typical of their eras.

The Olympus E-PL1s rates about 290 shots per battery charge using the BLS-1 battery. This is adequate for day outings but would necessitate spares for serious shoots or travel.

The Panasonic LF1 offers around 250 shots per charge, slightly less, which is understandable given the built-in EVF and brighter lens consuming more power.

Both use SD or SDHC cards with single card slots - ample storage support without the complexities of dual cards present in modern prosumer bodies.

Connectivity and Extras - Sharing and Working in the Digital Age

Connectivity marks a stark contrast.

The Olympus E-PL1s has no wireless capabilities - no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - which limits immediate image sharing or remote control. It does feature HDMI and USB 2.0 for tethering or downloading files.

The Panasonic LF1 comes with built-in wireless - Wi-Fi and NFC support - allowing image transfer to smartphones and remote shooting through apps. In today’s hyper-connected recording or travel environments, these features offer significant convenience.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, making external audio monitoring or professional video use less feasible.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres - My Hands-On Experiences

Let me now share comparative insights from shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video with both.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The Olympus E-PL1s’s larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds lenses yield a natural tonal range and attractive bokeh, especially with primes like the Olympus 45mm f/1.8. I found skin looks generally better rendered, with softer background blur options for isolating subjects. Its face detection AF locks reliably, but not instantly.

The LF1’s smaller sensor implies tighter depth of field, so bokeh is less pronounced - especially at longer zooms stopping down above f/4.5. Its faster lens at wide (f/2.0) helps in low light portraits, but backgrounds remain sharper and less creamy. Face detection is snappy, thanks to more AF points.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, Weather Sealing

The E-PL1s’s Four Thirds sensor excels in dynamic range over the LF1, capturing richer tonal gradations from shadows to highlights, which I noticed in sunrise scenes. Coupled with high-quality wide-angle lenses, details remain crisp at full resolution (4032x3024).

The LF1’s smaller sensor and 12 MP are adequate for casual landscape shots but may show noise in shadows when recovering details. Its compact size helps for spontaneous locations but weather sealing is lacking on both cameras.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

With only 3 fps capability and basic contrast AF, the Olympus felt slow to react during bird flights or running kids. The Panasonic LF1, on the other hand, managed better with 10 fps burst and a broader AF area array - helpful for tracking motion at short range.

The LF1’s tele zoom also extended reach (200mm equivalent), beneficial in wildlife snapshots, though its slower max aperture at telezoom limited usability in evening light.

Street Photography: Discrete, Quick Shoots

The Panasonic LF1 wins in portability and quiet operation, making it ideal for candid street photography. Its built-in EVF and fast lens aid low-light handholding. The Olympus, larger and noisier with lens changes, suits more deliberate street work.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

Olympus’s system lenses in macro specialty provide superior magnification and focusing precision compared to the LF1’s 3cm minimum focus distance on its fixed lens. For enthusiasts, the E-PL1s with a dedicated macro lens unlocks creative possibilities unreachable by the LF1.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light shooting favors the Olympus for less noisy images at ISO 1600. Both cameras lack advanced astro modes or long exposure noise reduction, but the Olympus’s sensor size and RAW support give it an edge in post-processing night shots.

Video Use: Resolutions, Stabilization, Audio

The LF1 shines with full HD (1080p) video at up to 60fps and optical image stabilization. The Olympus caps at 720p, 30fps with sensor-based stabilization. Neither includes a microphone jack, limiting pro audio capture.

Travel and Everyday Versatility

For pure travel ease, the Panasonic LF1 is a no-brainer - small, all-in-one zoom, wireless sharing, eye-level EVF. For extended trips where image quality and creative control matter, the Olympus E-PL1s with a couple of key lenses offers more flexibility.

Professional Uses and Workflow

Neither camera targets demanding professional workflows needing dual card slots, tethered shooting, or ruggedness. But the Olympus supports RAW files and manual exposure controls, making it a decent entry into serious photography for prosumers on a budget.

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Panasonic LF1 front Panasonic LF1 screen back

Performance Scores and Final Assessment

Here’s a summary of measured and subjective scores I assigned after multiple testing sessions:

And drilled down into photographic genre strength:

Practical Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-PL1s if:

• You want a solid entry point into a versatile Micro Four Thirds system with interchangeable lenses.
• Prioritize image quality, especially in portraits, landscapes, and low light.
• You’re comfortable with a bulkier setup and manual controls.
• You plan to experiment with macro, creative aperture, and RAW workflow.
• Wireless sharing is non-essential.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix LF1 if:

• You need a pocketable, all-in-one camera for travel, street, and casual everyday photography.
• Fast shooting, built-in EVF, and wireless connectivity are important to you.
• You prefer a bright zoom lens with decent reach without carrying extra gear.
• Video at full HD 60fps with optical stabilization appeals.
• Image quality compromises are acceptable for convenience.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Both cameras represent thoughtful designs for their times, tailored to divergent user priorities. The Olympus E-PL1s embodies the creative photographer’s toolkit, inviting craft, lens swaps, and quality-focused work. The Panasonic LF1 captures the essence of compact camera convenience, blending respectable optics and modern features in a small package.

In balancing my extensive professional experience with practical field tests, I find the E-PL1s more suited for those progressing into serious photography or specialized genres like portrait and macro. Meanwhile, the LF1 remains a capable, fun camera for travelers and street shooters craving swift operation and minimal fuss.

If you evaluate your priorities honestly and consider the shooting scenarios you most often encounter, either camera can serve as a dependable photographic partner with their unique strengths. I hope this detailed comparison brings you closer to an informed choice tailored precisely to your creative ambitions and workflow.

Happy shooting!

End of Review