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Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4

Portability
86
Imaging
47
Features
43
Overall
45
Olympus PEN E-PL1s front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 front
Portability
92
Imaging
36
Features
33
Overall
34

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Key Specs

Olympus E-PL1s
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 334g - 115 x 72 x 42mm
  • Introduced November 2010
  • Replaced the Olympus E-PL1
  • Renewed by Olympus E-PL2
Panasonic TS4
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-128mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 197g - 103 x 64 x 27mm
  • Introduced January 2012
  • Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-FT4
  • Previous Model is Panasonic TS3
  • Newer Model is Panasonic TS5
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Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Overview

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic TS4, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the TS4 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TS4 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was brought out 14 months earlier than the TS4 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS4 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PL1s scores vs the TS4 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL1s over the Panasonic TS4

 E-PL1s TS4 
Manually focus Dial exact focusing

Reasons to pick Panasonic TS4 over the Olympus E-PL1s

 TS4 E-PL1s 
IntroducedJanuary 2012November 2010Newer by 14 months

Common features in the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic TS4

 E-PL1s TS4 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing2.7"2.7"Equivalent screen size
Screen resolution230k230kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen
Touch screen Lacking Touch screen

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Physical Comparison

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s features exterior dimensions 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 TS4 has measurements of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic TS4 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the TS4.

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and TS4 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking technical specs. The image underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and TS4.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s uses the bigger sensor which will make obtaining bokeh easier. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 sensor size comparison

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus E-PL1s Portrait photography highlights
Panasonic TS4 Portrait photography highlights
60
focusing manually
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
comes with face detect autofocus
supports RAW formats
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
21
lack of manual focus
no external flash support
sensor resolution low (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
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Street Comparison

Olympus E-PL1s Street photography factors
Panasonic TS4 Street photography factors
74
image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports RAW formats
fixed screen
61
has image stabilization (Optical)
weather proof
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Olympus E-PL1s
Sports photography with Panasonic TS4
44
image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
comes with tracking focus
max frames per second very slow (3.0 frames per second)
sensor resolution low (12MP)
terrible battery pack (290 shots)
lack of phase detect autofocus
38
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes tracking autofocus
weather proof
good battery pack (310 shots)
maximum shutter speed is a little low (1/1,300s)
slow fps (4.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Olympus E-PL1s as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic TS4 as a Travel photography camera
51
has built in flash
does not have Time Lapse function
terrible battery pack (290 CIPA)
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
66
good battery pack (310 shots)
weather proof
built-in flash
decently wide (28mm)
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
does not feature selfie friendly display
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Olympus E-PL1s Landscape photography information
Panasonic TS4 Landscape photography information
55
focusing manually
change lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports RAW formats
tiny screen (2.7 inches)
sensor resolution low (12MP)
terrible battery pack (290 per charge)
does not have Time Lapse function
41
decently wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
weather proof
good battery pack (310 CIPA)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-PL1s Vlogging highlights
Panasonic TS4 Vlogging highlights
29
image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detect autofocus
screen is not selfie friendly
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have mic socket
32
decently wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not feature selfie friendly display
does not have external microphone port
Photography Glossary

Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic TS4
 Olympus PEN E-PL1sPanasonic Lumix DMC-TS4
General Information
Brand Name Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus PEN E-PL1s Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4
Also referred to as - Lumix DMC-FT4
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Waterproof
Introduced 2010-11-16 2012-01-31
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Chip Truepic V Venus Engine FHD
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 224.9mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4032 x 3024 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 6400 6400
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW images
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 11 23
Lens
Lens mount type Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 28-128mm (4.6x)
Highest aperture - f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Amount of lenses 107 -
Crop factor 2.1 5.9
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 2.7" 2.7"
Resolution of display 230k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Display tech HyperCrystal LCD AR (Anti-Reflective) coating TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) None
Features
Min shutter speed 60s 60s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1300s
Continuous shutter speed 3.0fps 4.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 10.00 m 5.60 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Max flash sync 1/160s -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 334g (0.74 lb) 197g (0.43 lb)
Dimensions 115 x 72 x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") 103 x 64 x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 290 photos 310 photos
Battery form Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BLS-1 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Pricing at release $599 $399