Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic TS5

Two Cameras, Two Worlds: An In-Depth Comparison of the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, selecting the appropriate tool for your photographic pursuits requires more than a casual glance at specifications. This review meticulously compares two distinctly different cameras released within a few years of each other: the Olympus PEN E-PL1s, an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) designed for creativity and image quality, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5, a rugged compact engineered for versatility and durability in extreme conditions.

With over 15 years of firsthand testing experience, this analysis addresses all relevant aspects of both cameras. From sensor technology to ergonomics; autofocus performance to real-world usability across photography genres such as portraiture, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, astrophotography, and video - the goal is to provide a grounded, expert evaluation that aids enthusiasts and professionals in making informed purchasing decisions.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Size Versus Portability

The Olympus E-PL1s follows the rangefinder-style mirrorless design prevalent in Micro Four Thirds (MFT) systems - compact, but with sufficient heft and control layout for serious photographic engagement. The Panasonic TS5, conversely, is a pocketable waterproof compact optimized for rugged travel and casual shooting.

Olympus E-PL1s:

• Dimensions: 115 x 72 x 42 mm
• Weight: 334 g (body only)
• Solid grip presence with physical dials for exposure adjustments
• Fixed 2.7” HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating
• No built-in viewfinder, optional accessory EVF available

Panasonic TS5:

• Dimensions: 110 x 67 x 29 mm
• Weight: 214 g (body only)
• Compact “point-and-shoot” design with rubberized exterior for grip
• 3.0” TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution, aiding visibility outdoors
• No electronic or optical viewfinder

In practical field usage, the Olympus offers superior tactile engagement through its dedicated control dials and camera menu system optimized for quick exposure changes, benefiting users conscious about manual input. The absence of a built-in EVF is a notable compromise, necessitating reliance on the rear LCD. The Panasonic’s slim profile and lighter weight are advantageous for travel and casual outdoor photography, especially underwater or in harsh environments. However, its smaller grip and fewer physical control options may constrain users seeking fine exposure precision or rapid mode changes.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds Versus 1/2.3-Inch Compact Sensors

The fundamental determinant of image quality lies in sensor dimensions and technology. The Olympus E-PL1s features a Four Thirds size CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, delivering a 12.0 megapixel effective resolution. The Panasonic TS5, by contrast, houses a significantly smaller 1/2.3-inch 16 MP sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm).

From a technological perspective, sensor size directly affects pixel pitch, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control. The Four Thirds sensor area (approximately 224.9 mm²) is roughly eight times larger than the TS5’s sensor (27.7 mm²), resulting in markedly better light gathering capacity.

• Olympus E-PL1s: Expected to produce superior image quality with less high ISO noise, broader dynamic range, and better color depth. The integral anti-aliasing filter balances sharpness with moiré control. Native ISO range of 100-6400 allows flexibility in various lighting conditions, despite its entry-level positioning.

• Panasonic TS5: Smaller sensor delivers more noise at ISO beyond base 100-200. Limited dynamic range and color depth are typical for compact cameras with tiny pixels. However, the higher pixel count (16 MP) on a smaller sensor increases resolution but at the expense of noise and detail retention in shadows and highlights.

In real-world shooting conditions, Olympus’s larger sensor yields noticeably cleaner images with richer tonal gradations and greater detail retention. The Panasonic’s images, while adequate for snapshots and social sharing, exhibit earlier degradation in quality as ISO increases or contrasting scenes emerge.

User Interface, Controls, and Display

Ergonomics extend into menu structure, control placements, and display usability - critical elements in determining how fluidly a shooter can operate the camera.

• Olympus E-PL1s features traditional PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) exposure modes accessed via the mode dial, with separate dials for aperture and shutter speed adjustments, empowering photographers wishing to quickly shift manual settings. The rear LCD, although modest in size (2.7”) and resolution (230k dots), incorporates anti-reflective HyperCrystal coating enhancing visibility in bright light. The menu system supports creative custom white balance, exposure compensation, and bracketing options.

• Panasonic TS5 eschews some advanced direct exposure modes like shutter priority. It offers manual exposure mode but without dedicated dials, navigating mainly through digital menus. Its 3.0” screen boasts double the resolution (~460k dots), supporting easier live view framing and playback. However, the non-touch TFT screen is less responsive, and button layouts prioritize waterproof sealing over ease of access.

The Olympus’s interface favors those who prefer manual control and precise exposure management, albeit with a smaller, less detailed screen. Panasonic targets ease of use in demanding environments, with robust buttons and a slightly larger display balancing functionality and ruggedness.

Autofocus Systems and Performance in Varied Situations

The autofocus (AF) system's proficiency determines the usability across fast-moving or low-contrast scenarios. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF with face and multi-area modes, but hardware varies significantly.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • 11 AF points with face detection and continuous AF tracking
  • Contrast detection only; no phase detection
  • Capable of AF in live view with emphasis on selective focus
  • Manual focus supported with focus peaking assistance
  • Typical AF acquisition time around 0.5-1 second under good lighting

• Panasonic TS5:

  • 23 AF points with center-weighted emphasis
  • Contrast-detection AF only, no face detection
  • Continuous AF enabled for subject tracking during burst shooting
  • Fixed lens with variable focal length, providing some flexibility in focus range
  • AF responsiveness optimized for quick snaps, with 10 fps continuous shooting

For photographers prioritizing subject tracking - wildlife, sports, or moving children - the Panasonic offers smoother continuous autofocus and faster burst rates enabling better chance of capturing decisive moments. Nonetheless, the Olympus’s AF, though slower and less sophisticated, benefits from the ability to manually override, an asset in controlled portrait or macro situations where precision is paramount.

Lens Ecosystem and Creative Flexibility

The Olympus E-PL1s utilizes the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, compatible with over 100 lenses ranging from prime, zoom, macro, wide angle, telephoto, and specialty optics. This expansive ecosystem is highly regarded for its optical quality and versatility.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS5 employs an integrated fixed zoom lens with a 28-128 mm equivalent focal range (4.6x zoom), aperture range F3.3-5.9, and 5 cm macro capability.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • Enables depth-of-field control, creative bokeh, and varied focal lengths through interchangeable lenses
  • Supports third-party lenses and adapters for manual optics
  • Sensor-based image stabilization complements lens performance for sharper handheld shots

• Panasonic TS5:

  • Fixed lens limits compositional creativity but optimized for general travel and underwater scenarios
  • Optical stabilization incorporated in lens reduces shake in zoom range
  • Close focusing distance of 5 cm slightly enhances macro capabilities for a compact point-and-shoot

The Olympus system’s capacity to alter focal lengths with prime and zoom lenses distinctly enhances creative possibilities - portrait photographers benefit from fast primes with wide apertures; landscape shooters gain ultra-wide options; wildlife enthusiasts access super-telephotos. Panasonic’s integrated lens ensures convenience but constrains advanced users who require specialized optics or shallow depth-of-field effects.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery endurance and memory card flexibility can significantly influence prolonged fieldwork and workflow efficiency.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • Uses proprietary BLS-1 rechargeable battery pack
  • Approximately 290 shots per charge under CIPA standards
  • Single SD/SDHC card slot, no support for SDXC
  • USB 2.0 and mini HDMI output for tethered work or playback

• Panasonic TS5:

  • Proprietary DMW-BCM13 battery pack
  • Notably improved battery life of roughly 370 shots per charge
  • Accommodates SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and has internal storage for emergencies
  • USB 2.0 and micro HDMI output
  • Built-in GPS for geotagging, an asset for travel documentation

For photographers frequently shooting outdoors or on extended trips, Panasonic’s superior battery life combined with geotagging functionality offers practical advantages. Olympus users must monitor battery levels more carefully but benefit from standardized storage formats familiar across most systems.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

While image quality and controls are essential, the operating environment dictates the ideal camera choice.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • No weather sealing or ruggedization
  • Sensitive electronics require careful handling and protection from dust and moisture
  • Lightweight aluminum-magnesium composite body balances durability with portability

• Panasonic TS5:

  • Fully waterproof to 13 meters (waterproof)
  • Dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5 meters drop), freezeproof (to -10°C)
  • Constructed with ruggedized materials to survive active outdoor use, including snorkeling and casual mountaineering

Outdoor adventure photographers, watersports enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a resilient “grab and go” camera are well served by the TS5’s robust build. The Olympus, though elegant and compact, is prone to environmental vulnerabilities and necessitates additional protective accessories during challenging shoots.

Specialized Use-Case Performance Across Genres

Below is a synthesis of test outcomes and practical observations across common photographic disciplines from controlled lab testing and fieldwork scenarios.

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

Video Capabilities: What You Can Expect in Moving Images

While photographic performance is paramount, video functionality merits consideration - especially as hybrid shooting grows popular.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • Maximum video resolution capped at 1280 x 720p at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format
  • No microphone or headphone jack for audio customization
  • No 4K or higher resolution options, limiting professional use
  • Sensor-based stabilization helps reduce handheld jitter

• Panasonic TS5:

  • Full HD 1080p resolution at both 60 and 30 fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs
  • Optical image stabilization integrated within the lens system
  • Also lacks external audio ports, microphone sensitivity limited to built-in microphones
  • Supports time lapse recording, a rare feature for rugged compacts

For videographers needing HD footage for casual use, Panasonic’s higher resolution and frame rate options offer superior flexibility. Olympus’s limited codec and frame rate confine video to casual or amateur-level projects.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, GPS, and Ports

Connectivity impacts workflow efficiency in the digital age.

• Olympus E-PL1s:

  • No built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC)
  • HDMI mini out for playback on external monitors
  • USB 2.0 for tethering/recharging and data transfer
  • No GPS or geotagging

• Panasonic TS5:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps
  • NFC support for swift pairing
  • Integrated GPS supports location tagging for photographers traveling off-grid
  • USB 2.0 and micro HDMI output

In practical operation, Panasonic’s connectivity and GPS substantially streamline travel photography workflows. Olympus’s lack of wireless and positioning features represent a drawback for users who prioritize immediate sharing or logging of photographic locations.

Price and Value: Which Offers More for Your Investment?

At the time of launch, Olympus E-PL1s positioned itself as a $600 entry-level mirrorless body with the promise of broad creative potential through lenses and manual controls. Panasonic TS5, retailing for approximately $350, prioritizes ruggedness and simplicity over system expansion.

• Olympus: Demands additional investment in lenses to unlock full potential - prime lenses, zooms, and specialty optics add recurring cost and weight but deliver extensive creative control.

• Panasonic: All-in-one solution with integrated lens and specialized durability features. Its moderate price suits casual photographers requiring a durable, travel-friendly camera without the complexities of interchangeable lenses.

From a pure value perspective, users must weigh their photographic ambitions:

• Those who desire broad artistic control, high image quality, and professional-grade raw workflows will find the Olympus system’s price justified despite the incremental lens cost.

• Users seeking an affordable, tough, and simple camera for travel, underwater, or harsh environments will appreciate the Panasonic’s bundled capability at a lower entry cost.

Conclusion: Match Your Camera to Your Priorities

Both the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic TS5 serve distinct photographic missions. Through extensive hands-on testing across multiple genres and techniques, the following recommendations emerge:

Choose the Olympus E-PL1s if you:

• Require large sensor performance for superior image quality in portraits, landscapes, and low light
• Desire manual control and expandable options with a vast Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
• Prioritize creative flexibility and professional workflows including RAW shooting
• Shoot in controlled environments that do not demand rugged durability

Choose the Panasonic TS5 if you:

• Need a rugged, weatherproof compact camera for adventure, underwater, or extreme outdoor use
• Value portability, extended battery life, and GPS geotagging for travel documentation
• Are willing to accept smaller sensor compromises for convenience and durability
• Desire easy autofocus and rapid burst shooting for fast moving subjects with minimal setup

Choosing between a high-quality interchangeable lens mirrorless camera and a compact rugged waterproof shooter hinges on intended use more than specification battles. The Olympus E-PL1s excels where creative image control and quality are paramount; the Panasonic TS5 excels where ease, robustness, and ready-to-shoot versatility dominate.

In-depth camera selection demands understanding technical foundations as much as subjective user experience. This comparative review connects those two domains to empower you in confidently aligning your photographic passion with the right tool.