Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic LX7

Following is a comprehensive review of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic LX7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the LX7 (10MP) is very similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 23 months earlier than the LX7 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL1s grades versus the LX7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys physical 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) whilst the Panasonic LX7 has dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic LX7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL1s vs the LX7.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and LX7 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and LX7.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s using its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL1s will offer you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.