Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic S3

Here is a complete comparison of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic S3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was revealed at a similar time to the S3 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL1s grades versus the S3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s has outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the S3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and S3 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and S3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will produce more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively.