Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS20

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic TS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and TS20 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TS20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 14 months before the TS20 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL1s grades vs the TS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS20. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic TS20 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s offers exterior measurements 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 TS20 has measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 19mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic TS20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s against the TS20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and TS20 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and TS20.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic TS20 will produce extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-PL1s will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.