Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic S2

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic S2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL1s was launched 13 months earlier than the S2 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL1s scores against the S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s has got physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S2 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and S2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The image underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and S2.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S2 will show more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s will be behind with regard to sensor technology.