Olympus E-PL1s vs Samsung CL80

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Samsung CL80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the CL80 (14MP) is very close but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and CL80 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was revealed 11 months after the CL80 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung CL80 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL1s grades against the CL80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Samsung CL80. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Samsung CL80 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s comes with exterior dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Samsung CL80 has specifications of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s versus Samsung CL80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the CL80.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and CL80 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The image underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and CL80.

Clearly, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s using its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Samsung CL80 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PL1s will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.