Olympus E-PL1s vs Zeiss ZX1

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL1s versus Zeiss ZX1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Zeiss. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was announced 8 years earlier than the ZX1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-PL1s grades versus the ZX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s has exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s versus Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and ZX1 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out specs. The image here should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s having a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will produce extra detail with its extra 25MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.