Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS4

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.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic TS4 Gallery.

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.

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.

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

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.