Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic ZS25

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic ZS25, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and ZS25 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and ZS25 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 3 years earlier than the ZS25 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS25 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1s scores against the ZS25 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic ZS25 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s offers external measurements 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 ZS25 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic ZS25 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s vs the ZS25.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and ZS25 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at specifications. The pic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and ZS25.

Plainly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS25 will give you more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.