Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic TS1

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic TS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the TS1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and TS1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was released 2 years later than the TS1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the TS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic TS1 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 features outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic TS1 has specifications of 98mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") with a weight of 189 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic TS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the TS1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and TS1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through specs. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and TS1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer the same exact MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 comes with the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL3 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.