Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS5

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic TS5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and TS5 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and TS5 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was introduced 3 years prior to the TS5 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-PL1s grades against the TS5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic TS5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s has got physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic TS5 has proportions of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic TS5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL1s and the TS5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and TS5 is 86 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at specs. The graphic below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and TS5.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic TS5 will give you more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.