Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax RZ10

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax RZ10, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the RZ10 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and RZ10 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was launched 8 months prior to the RZ10 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-PL1s scores versus the RZ10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Pentax Optio RZ10. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Pentax RZ10 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys outside 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 Pentax RZ10 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax RZ10 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the RZ10.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and RZ10 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and RZ10.

As you have seen, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Pentax RZ10 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.