Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic SZ1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic SZ1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and SZ1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was launched 13 months prior to the SZ1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL1s matches up vs the SZ1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys outside dimensions 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 SZ1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic SZ1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1s and the SZ1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and SZ1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The visual underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and SZ1.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ1 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.