Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photography Enthusiast

Choosing a camera that fits your shooting style, current skill level, and budget can feel like diving into a sea of specs without a lifejacket. Today, I’m taking you through a detailed side-by-side comparison between two very different cameras that, despite their age and contrasting categories, still spark interest among photography fans: the Olympus PEN E-PL2, an entry-level mirrorless camera launched in 2011, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6, a rugged, waterproof compact camera released in 2015. Both carry strong legacies and distinct appeal, but which one suits your needs better?

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras in varied conditions - from portrait studios to wild safaris - I’ll walk you through their design, image quality, autofocus chops, and much more. Along the way, I’ll point out where each camera shines or struggles, backed by technical analysis and real-world usage. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

Before firing off shots, how a camera feels in your hands massively shapes the shooting experience. The Olympus E-PL2, part of Olympus’s popular PEN lineup, carries classic mirrorless styling with a minimalist, rangefinder-like shape. In contrast, Panasonic’s TS6 is an ultra-tough, no-nonsense rugged compact aimed at adventurers and casual shooters needing durability over fancy features.

Take a look at how these two stack up physically:

Olympus PEN E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6 - Size and ergonomics

The E-PL2 is a bit chunkier and heavier at 362g compared to TS6’s featherweight 214g. With dimensions 114 x 72 x 42 mm versus 110 x 67 x 29 mm, the Panasonic slips easily into pockets or hiking packs. That thickness on the Olympus, however, accommodates its interchangeable lenses and larger sensor - more on that later.

Ergonomically, the E-PL2 sports more grip-friendly contours and dedicated buttons, adapting nicely for one- or two-handed shooting. The TS6’s compact plastic shell favors simplicity and durability over clubs for thumbs or fancy command dials. It’s splashproof, shockproof, crushproof, and even freezeproof, boasting weather sealing Olympus lacks entirely.

So if portability and ruggedness top your wishlist, the Panasonic wins hands down here. But if you want something more traditional and versatile with manual controls, Olympus feels better balanced.

Control Layout and Intuitive Operation

Even the best specs are meaningless if the buttons are buried or menu systems are a labyrinth. I paid close attention to handling during my test sessions.

A quick glance at the top plate shows Olympus E-PL2’s dedicated mode dial and plus/minus shutter controls versus Panasonic TS6’s pared-down simplicity

The Olympus E-PL2 impresses with a deservedly beloved micro four-thirds control scheme: a dedicated mode dial covering everything from PASM to Art modes. Shutter button ergonomics are pleasant, and a physical exposure compensation dial is a rare treat at this level, giving swift access to tweaks.

Panasonic’s TS6 downplays manual control. No mode dial here - you toggle settings via menus only, with buttons assigned mostly to zoom, playback, and flash. This makes intuitive exposure or focus changes slower for experienced shooters. But if you want a grab-and-go point-and-shoot, fewer buttons means less confusion.

An electronic viewfinder is optional on the Olympus (though not bundled) while the Panasonic has none. Given the E-PL2’s micro four-thirds roots, optics and manual operation remain priorities, whereas the Lumix caters to simple touchscreen-free button taps.

Ergonomics and tactile feedback lean strongly towards the Olympus E-PL2 for photographers craving quick adjustments and more control over their creative output.

Sensor Battle: Image Quality Begins Here

Under the hood is where these two cameras diverge dramatically. The Olympus E-PL2 houses a genuine Four Thirds-sized 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with 12 MP resolution. The Panasonic TS6, a waterproof compact, uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor at approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm and 16 MP.

Sensor size directly influences image quality; the Olympus sports a much larger photo-sensitive area

Larger sensors typically deliver superior image quality - better dynamic range, cleaner high-ISO performance, and richer color depth. This stands true in real-world testing: At base ISO 100, the E-PL2 produces cleaner, more detailed images and handles challenging lighting (think strong contrast or shadows) with less noise and better highlight retention. Its color depth of 21.4 EV versus nothing tested on the Panasonic aligns with this advantage.

The TS6’s sensor, while boasting higher megapixels, struggles in lower light. At ISO 800 and above, noise jumps substantially, and detail softening becomes apparent. This is typical of compact cameras with physically limited sensor areas.

So for photographers serious about image quality - portraits, landscapes, or artwork reproduction - the Olympus offers a substantial upgrade. But if your priority is snapshots and quick travel pics without lugging bulk, the Panasonic's sensor still provides decent JPEGs when lighting cooperates.

Diving into Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Next up: how fast and accurate are these cameras when it comes to locking focus, tracking moving subjects, and handling continuous shooting?

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus, which is still common in smaller or older mirrorless and compacts but differs from phase-detection found in higher-end or modern models.

The Olympus provides 11 focus points, supporting single, continuous AF, face detection, and tracking modes. Although it lacks phase-detection AF, the system feels snappy for its era, locking reliably on still subjects and maintaining focus decently during slow motion - think portrait sessions or casual street shooting.

The Panasonic TS6 boasts 23 focus points and similar face detection but includes continuous autofocus and tracking. Its AF speed is faster on paper (continuous shooting up to 10 fps!), but in real-world, hunting was more evident, especially in low contrast or dimly lit scenes. The fixed lens restricts creative depth-of-field work, but the AF was fairly dependable for everyday activities.

If you’re shooting unpredictable subjects - wildlife or sports - both cameras have their limits. Their moderate burst rates and no phase-detection AF mean missed shots during rapid action are likely. But the Panasonic’s 10 fps burst is attractive for casual sports enthusiasts, provided autofocus is locked well.

Build Quality: Durability vs. Classic Styling

Here’s where these two cameras embody opposite philosophies. The Olympus E-PL2 is not weather-sealed and fragile by today’s standards - no dustproofing or waterproofing. I wouldn’t risk it in heavy rain or dusty conditions without protection.

Panasonic went all out on ruggedness, crafting the TS6 to survive falls up to 2 meters, freeze temps to -10°C, and entirely waterproof down to 15 meters. If you’re into hiking, beach days, or poolside family shots, this durability win is massive.

This means the TS6 is highly specialized for outdoor, adventurous users, while the Olympus feels more at home in controlled environments - studios, travel, urban exploring.

Shooting with the Screen and Viewfinder

Both cameras have fixed 3-inch LCD screens with roughly 460k dots of resolution, but their implementation varies slightly.

Olympus E-PL2’s screen with HyperCrystal AR coating offers decent visibility; Panasonic TS6’s fixed screen has no touchscreen but is bright and rugged

The Olympus’s LCD offers better clarity with anti-reflective coatings, though it doesn’t tilt or touch. The Panasonic screen isn’t touchscreen either, but is built tough enough to handle wet fingers or gloves.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder; Olympus users generally opt for an optional add-on EVF scope, while TS6 keeps things compact and simple.

For outdoor shooting in bright sunlight, neither fully excels but the Panasonic’s screen is highly durable to scratches and impact.

Lens Ecosystem - Freedom vs. Fixed Focal Length

One of the E-PL2’s biggest strengths is its Micro Four Thirds mount, which enjoys a massive library of over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. This gives ultimate creative freedom - zoom lenses, primes, fast apertures, macro, fisheye, you name it.

The Panasonic TS6, being a compact waterproof camera, sports a fixed 28-128mm equivalent zoom lens (F3.3-5.9), good for general daylight use but with no upgrade options. It limits low light ability and the ability to play with depth of field.

If you’re an enthusiast who values lens choice and plans to expand, the Olympus ecosystem is unmatched. For casual travel snapshots or rugged terrain where changing lenses spells dust danger, Panasonic’s fixed setup feels right.

Macro and Close-Up Capabilities

The Lumix TS6 offers a respectable close focusing distance of about 5 cm, usable for casual macro or detail shots when hiking or exploring. Optical image stabilization helps steady handheld close-ups in imperfect light.

The Olympus E-PL2 depends on the attached lens’s macro ability, which can be superb given options like Olympus’s sharp 45mm f/1.8 or dedicated macro lenses. Additionally, the built-in 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization in later Olympus models (not in this model) is better, but the E-PL2 does have sensor-based stabilization to aid handheld shots.

So, if close-ups matter, Panasonic’s ready-to-go convenience wins in easiest handling, while Olympus offers serious potential with the right glass.

Video Face-Off: Capabilities and Limitations

Video features may not be headline-grabbers for these older models, but they matter to modern content creators.

The E-PL2 tops out at 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG format, limiting recording quality and file efficiency. It lacks microphone or headphone ports, and no 4K or advanced codec options apply.

Panasonic’s TS6 shoots full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4, yielding smoother footage. Optical stabilization helps steady video, but external audio is unsupported. No 4K or advanced audio inputs here either.

Clearly, TS6 is a better video choice for casual vloggers or travel shooters wanting easy, sharp HD video. The E-PL2 is strictly limited to basic HD video, suitable only for casual use.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Batteries are the unsung heroes of shooting days.

The Olympus relies on a proprietary BLS-5 battery rated for approximately 280 shots per charge, somewhat modest by today’s standards. Compact size and older technology contribute to this limitation.

The Lumix TS6 offers around 370 shots per charge, slightly better, catering to outdoor use where charging opportunities may be rare.

Both models store images primarily on SD/SDHC cards, with the TS6 supporting SDXC and having some internal storage. Neither supports multiple slots - standard for their class and age.

Connectivity and Extras

When it comes to modern wireless conveniences:

• The Olympus E-PL2 offers no wireless connectivity at all. No Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth. This absence severely limits instant sharing or remote control functionality.

• The Panasonic TS6 includes built-in wireless and NFC, alongside GPS tagging - great for travel photographers wanting geo-data on shots and easy pairing to smartphones for transfers or location mapping.

If staying connected and sharing on the go matters, the Panasonic pulls ahead.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores & Photography Genres

Here’s a concise rundown of strengths visible in measured scores and real-world shooting:

Olympus scores better on image quality metrics like dynamic range (10.2 EV), color depth (21.4 bit), and low light ISO performance, while TS6 lacks DxOMark data but falls short in sensor size and noise.

• Portraits: The Olympus’s larger sensor and option for fast primes trump Panasonic’s fixed slow-aperture zoom, rendering skin tones with better tonality and smoother bokeh.
• Landscape: The E-PL2’s 12 MP resolution and dynamic range make it the go-to choice. TS6’s compact sensor compresses shadows and limits detail.
• Wildlife & Sports: Neither excels here due to modest burst rates and contrast-only AF but Panasonic’s faster 10 fps may help casual sports shots.
• Street: Olympus offers sharper images and better control; Panasonic’s small size and weatherproof design are attractive for unpredictable urban shooting.
• Macro: Panasonic’s close focus distance and stabilization aid casual macro; Olympus pairs best with a dedicated macro lens.
• Night/Astro: Olympus’s sensor size aids high ISO and exposure latitude; TS6 struggles in dim environments.
• Video: Panasonic is clearly superior with 1080p/60fps and stabilized video.
• Travel: Panasonic’s ruggedness, battery life, and wireless features make it very travel-friendly; Olympus is versatile but less ready for rough conditions.
• Professional Work: Olympus’s RAW support and lens ecosystem let it fill entry to mid-level pro needs better than the TS6’s consumer-grade JPEG-only files.

Who Should Buy the Olympus PEN E-PL2?

If you value:

• Interchangeable lenses and creative flexibility
• Better image quality and color rendition
• Manual controls and faster exposure setting changes
• Portraits, landscapes, and controlled environment shooting
• Shooting RAW for post-production
• Moderate budgets and don’t need toughness or wireless connectivity

Then the Olympus E-PL2 has your back. It’s a solid entry-level mirrorless offering with an excellent, still-relevant micro four-thirds system. Note some aging, particularly no built-in EVF and limited flash sync speed.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6?

If your priorities are:

• Ruggedness: a camera you can take everywhere without worries
• Waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof reliability
• Compact, lightweight form factor for travel or outdoor adventure
• Easy-to-use zoom lens with good general-purpose reach
• Full HD video capabilities with image stabilization
• Wireless connectivity and GPS for location-based shoots
• Casual shooting and convenience over manual controls or image quality

Then look no further than the Panasonic Lumix TS6. It is a purpose-built tough compact that performs admirably for its intended market.

The Tradeoffs: What You Sacrifice and Gain

• Olympus E-PL2: Gains image quality, creative control, and lens ecosystem at the cost of bulk, delicate construction, and no wireless.
• Panasonic TS6: Gains toughness, portability, wireless, and video HD at cost of image quality, lack of RAW support, and limited creative controls.

Both cameras target different photographers despite some overlaps - choose based on your shooting environment and priorities.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional looking for a capable mirrorless system and don’t mind carrying an extra lens or two, the Olympus E-PL2 gives you far more creative power and superior image quality for studio, street, portrait, and landscape work. It’s the better starting point for serious photography learning and expanding your gear collection.

If you’re a casual user, traveler, adventurer, or family photographer who wants a rugged camera that survives drops, water, dust, and freezing temps while delivering decent images and HD video ready for social sharing, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6 deserves a hard look. Its compact size, weatherproofing, and connectivity features bring practical advantages you won’t get with the Olympus.

Sample Shots: Seeing Is Believing

To end on a visual note, here are framed gallery samples from both cameras in a variety of conditions. Notice the cleaner, more detailed look from Olympus files and the warmer colors but softer textures from Panasonic JPEGs.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back

In sum, these cameras illustrate the diverse niches the photography market fills: Olympus E-PL2 champions image quality and system expandability, while Panasonic TS6 answers the call for durability and ease. Your choice boils down to what you shoot, where, and how you prioritize features.

Happy shooting!

This review is based on extensive hands-on testing, metric scores, and real-world practical experience from over 15 years of camera evaluations. Both cameras represent interesting entry points depending on your budget and needs.