From Entry-Level to Pro: A Hands-On Comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic Lumix S1H

When it comes to expanding your photography toolkit, the choices between entry-level and professional mirrorless cameras can be striking - sometimes you’re choosing not just features, but a whole photographic philosophy. I recently spent several weeks alternately testing Olympus’s rangefinder-style E-PL5 and Panasonic's SLR-style powerhouse, the Lumix S1H. This side-by-side comparison cuts beyond the spec sheets to reveal where each camera truly shines - and where compromises lie.

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer hunting for your first system or a seasoned pro exploring pro-level video and image capabilities, you’ll find detailed assessments across every discipline - portraiture, wildlife, sports, landscape, macro, and more. Plus, I’ve woven in real-world usage insights, technical benchmarks, and image quality breakdowns based on my hands-on experience with thousands of cameras over the past 15 years.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Compact Elegance vs Professional Durability

One of the first things you notice when placing these two cameras side by side is how fundamentally different they feel - physically and ergonomically.

The Olympus E-PL5 is a classic micro four thirds mirrorless with a rangefinder-style body. Measuring just 111 x 64 x 38 mm and weighing a mere 325 grams, it’s featherlight and pocketable. Its compact form factor means it’s perfect for street photographers and travelers who prioritize portability above all else.

In contrast, Panasonic’s S1H is a substantially larger SLR-style mirrorless camera, designed for professional workflows. With dimensions of 151 x 114 x 110 mm and tipping the scales at a hefty 1052 grams, it fills your hands with solid confidence. The robust magnesium alloy frame sports comprehensive weather sealing - ideal for challenging environments. While bulky for daily carry, the S1H’s grip and control layout cater explicitly to heavy DSLRs users transitioning to mirrorless.

Speaking of controls:

The S1H comes equipped with multiple function buttons, an illuminated top LCD for quick settings checks, and a logically spread shutter speed/aperture dial arrangement. It supports customized control assignments, allowing photographers to tailor the interface for their shooting style. Meanwhile, the E-PL5 sticks to simplicity, offering a tilting touchscreen and fewer direct controls, which suits casual or enthusiast users who prefer intuitive menu-driven adjustments.

Ergonomics takeaway: If you prize a lightweight companion for casual outings or street shooting, Olympus’s compact design wins hands down. For professionals who demand durability and full manual control at their fingertips, Panasonic’s S1H will feel much more like a trusted workhorse.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Chip Technology and Resolution Revisited

At the core of any camera’s performance is its sensor - and here the contrast is stark.

• The Olympus E-PL5 features a 16MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with a 2.1x equivalent focal length crop factor.
• The Panasonic S1H sports a much larger, full-frame 24MP sensor (35.6 x 23.8 mm) adhering to the Leica L-mount standard.

From my tests, the S1H's larger sensor offers numerous advantages:

• Superior dynamic range: With a full-frame sensor area nearly 3.7x larger, it can capture subtle tonal gradations in highlights and shadows much more effectively - a critical factor for landscape photographers and those working in mixed lighting.
• Better high ISO performance: The S1H’s native ISO range of 100–51200 (expandable to 50–204800) delivers cleaner images with lower noise in dim light compared to Olympus’s ISO 200–25600 range with noticeable noise beyond ISO 1600–3200.
• Higher resolution details: Panasonic’s 24MP sensor allows for larger prints and more aggressive cropping without significant quality loss.
• Aspect ratio flexibility: The S1H supports 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 formats for creative versatility, while Olympus is limited to 4:3.

That said, the Olympus sensor - while smaller - is no slouch, delivering color depth measured at 22.8 bits and dynamic range over 12 stops (per DxOMark), respectable numbers that still produce clean, natural images when shooting in ideal conditions.

To capture their output nuances, I photographed a range of subjects under controlled lighting and natural scenarios: portraits with soft lighting, intricate landscapes, and low-light interiors. The differences in color fidelity, noise handling, and micro detail were evident, especially when pushing files during editing.

The LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Composing your shot is more than just sensor specs. The interface - viewfinder and rear screen - plays a pivotal role.

The Olympus E-PL5 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k-dot resolution. This tilt makes overhead or low-angle shooting ergonomic, and the touchscreen functionality lets you tap-to-focus quickly. However, the small size and modest resolution limit critical image review, particularly in bright sunlight.

Crucially, the E-PL5 lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying on an optional add-on. This absence can hinder precise framing, especially in strong daylight or fast-moving scenarios.

Contrast this with the Panasonic S1H’s 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen boasting a sharp 2.33 million-dot resolution, ideal for vlogging or video monitoring. Additionally - and a game-changer for serious photographers - the S1H sports a high-res OLED electronic viewfinder (5760k dots, 0.78x magnification, 100% coverage), offering an exceptionally detailed, lag-free live preview that rivals optical DSLRs.

In real-world use, the Panasonic’s EVF speed and clarity make manual focusing and composition more intuitive, especially in challenging lighting or when using manual lenses. The articulating screen also supports a wider range of creative angles, including selfie-friendly flips.

While Olympus’s rear screen may satisfy beginners or casual shooters, professional users will appreciate the superior viewing experience on the S1H.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Action

Autofocus (AF) is fundamental, especially for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Olympus E-PL5 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points. It supports face detection and continuous AF modes, but no phase detection or advanced subject tracking technologies.

The Panasonic S1H steps up dramatically with a large array of 225 AF points using contrast-detection, but no hybrid phase detection - somewhat unexpected in a pro body - but compensated by intelligent AF algorithms and enabled by the Venus engine processor. It includes face and eye detection, continuous AF, and excellent AF tracking capabilities.

During testing with moving subjects:

• The E-PL5’s AF was sufficiently fast for static subjects and casual street photography but struggled with rapid, unpredictable movement - such as birds in flight or fast-paced sports - sometimes locking focus slower than ideal and incurring minor hunting.
• The S1H excelled at continuous AF tracking, maintaining sharp focus on subjects even in complex, dynamic environments. The responsiveness impressed me, matching or surpassing contemporaries in its class. This makes it eminently suitable for professional sports, wildlife, and event photography.

While neither camera supports animal eye AF - a feature now common in modern models - the Panasonic’s overall AF system is more robust, particularly for demanding applications needing quick, accurate focus.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Freezing Action

Continuous burst rate and buffer capacity are vital for sports, wildlife, and fast-paced shooting.

• Olympus E-PL5 can shoot at 8 fps, which is commendable for an entry-level mirrorless camera.
• Panasonic S1H offers a slightly faster burst rate at 9 fps.

However, raw buffer capacity isn’t just fps - it dictates how many shots you can take before the camera slows.

The E-PL5’s buffer is limited, allowing a modest number of compressed JPEG shots before slowing. The S1H shines with a deep buffer capable of tens of RAW frames, critical for professionals capturing decisive moments in quick succession - think pro sport finals or wildlife encounters.

For enthusiasts, the E-PL5’s burst speed covers many general purposes admirably. Professionals, especially action shooters, will appreciate the S1H’s edge.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Opening the Creative Palette

Selecting a camera means investing in a lens ecosystem that grows with your vision.

The Olympus E-PL5 adopts the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, currently supporting over 100 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, plus many third-party options. This makes it incredibly versatile - wide-angle primes, telephoto zooms, macro lenses - with compact designs that match the camera’s size.

The Panasonic S1H uses the Leica L-mount, which is gaining momentum but is currently more limited with about 30 lenses available (including offerings from Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma). These lenses tend to be larger and heavier but deliver exceptional optical performance optimized for the full-frame sensor.

From practical use, I found the MFT system more accessible for beginners and traveling photographers thanks to smaller, lighter optics without significant compromises in image quality. However, for professionals and videographers, the L-mount lenses offer the premium optical quality and aperture control expected in top-tier work.

Stability, Shutter, and Flash: Controlling Light and Motion

The E-PL5 boasts sensor-based image stabilization which helps reduce blur from camera shake - a blessing for its small sensor and slow lenses, especially handheld.

Panasonic’s S1H incorporates 5-axis sensor-based stabilization that integrates seamlessly with some optical lens stabilization, resulting in highly effective blur reduction, both for stills and video. This also enables higher shutter speeds handheld under low light.

Neither camera includes a built-in flash, but the Olympus can use a bundled external flash with 7m coverage, while the S1H relies entirely on advanced external flash units.

Shutter speeds range commendably from 60s to 1/4000 (E-PL5) and 1/8000 (S1H), with the latter adding silent electronic shutter options - a major plus for discreet shooting.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Cinema-Grade Production

For many photographers today, video performance is a vital consideration.

The Olympus E-PL5 records Full HD 1080p video up to 30fps in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It lacks 4K or advanced codecs and does not support external microphone input. While acceptable for casual video or vlogging, it cannot compete with modern standards.

The Panasonic Lumix S1H, on the other hand, is a powerhouse video rig. Designed in collaboration with Hollywood professionals, the S1H records:

• Up to 6K video (5952 x 3988) at 23.98fps
• 4K 60p with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording via H.265 codec
• Supports advanced HDR and V-Log modes, delivering cinematic-grade color grading flexibility
• Equipped with microphone and headphone jacks enabling professional audio workflows
• 5-axis IBIS complemented by lens stabilization ensures smooth handheld footage

This makes the S1H suitable even for demanding commercial videography and indie filmmaking, while the E-PL5 fits casual enthusiast recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining Your Shoot

Olympus’s E-PL5 uses a small BLS-5 battery rated for roughly 360 shots per charge. Given the compact size, this battery life is respectable though quickly depleted if using live view and continuous shooting heavily.

The S1H packs a larger battery with around 400 shots per charge, somewhat on par but in a much bigger camera - likely needing spare batteries during professional day shoots. Its dual SD card slots support redundancy and extended capacity, vital for pro video workflows, in contrast to the single slot on the Olympus.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Connectivity is becoming increasingly important for rapid sharing and tethered workflows.

The E-PL5 features Eye-Fi connectivity (Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi cards), no Bluetooth, and USB 2.0 for tethering. This is functional but limited, lacking the seamless modern wireless integration seen elsewhere.

Panasonic’s S1H offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 3.1, and full HDMI support for live monitoring and external recording - a decisive factor for professional workflows requiring instant file transfer and remote control.

Real-World Performance Examples

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back

From cross-comparison images I shot:

• Olympus E-PL5 excels at delivering punchy colors and crisp images in good light with nice out-of-focus background separation, though its smaller sensor limits bokeh smoothness.
• Panasonic S1H’s files show superior dynamic range and detail retention, especially in shadowed and highlight areas, as well as better control of noise at high ISOs.

In portrait settings, S1H’s eye AF and face detection offer precise focusing, unlike the E-PL5’s more basic AF that occasionally missed focus in tricky lighting.

For landscapes, the Panasonic’s full-frame sensor and higher resolution gave images a visible edge - capturing subtle texture and gradation.

Scoring the Cameras Across Photography Disciplines

Using an aggregate of hands-on testing results, lab data, and expert consensus, here’s how each camera compares across key photography genres:

Who Should Buy the Olympus E-PL5?

The Olympus E-PL5 is a remarkable little camera for those:

• Entering mirrorless photography without shelling out a fortune
• Seeking a lightweight, pocketable system for street and travel shooting
• Wanting plenty of compact lens options in an affordable package
• Prioritizing simplicity and ease of use over pro features
• Interested more in casual photography and decent Full HD video clips

If you mainly shoot static subjects, portraits, or everyday scenes and appreciate an unobtrusive size, the E-PL5 remains surprisingly capable even a decade after release.

Who Needs the Panasonic Lumix S1H?

The Panasonic Lumix S1H is a full-fledged professional camera for:

• Cinematographers needing cinema-resolution video with professional codecs and audio integration
• Photographers demanding the highest image quality from a full-frame sensor
• Sports, wildlife, and event photographers who rely on fast, precise AF and a robust burst buffer
• Studio and location professionals expecting weather-sealed, durable gear
• Creatives willing to invest in larger, heavier bodies and lenses for uncompromised performance

If your work requires versatility in both stills and video, and you want a long-term tool that integrates within pro workflows seamlessly - this is the camera.

Final Thoughts: The E-PL5 and S1H Couldn't Be More Different - Yet Both Impress

Having spent extensive time with both cameras, I can attest they cater to distinctly separate audiences. The E-PL5 demonstrates how entry-level mirrorless cameras can still help photographers craft beautiful imagery without breaking the bank or packing bulky gear. Its diminutive size, respectable image quality, and approachable interface make it a terrific learning tool and travel companion.

Conversely, the Panasonic S1H is a tour de force for professionals who demand uncompromising image and video quality, extensive manual control, and a rugged build. Its price tag reflects its performance and capabilities - it’s a long-term investment.

So, how do you choose? It boils down to your priorities:

• Budget-conscious, portability-focused enthusiasts: Olympus E-PL5
• Professionals and serious multimedia creators: Panasonic Lumix S1H

Both cameras have earned their place, each a master of its domain.

For those curious about detailed comparative numbers and more sample images, I recommend perusing the image galleries and performance charts provided here. They offer a grounded perspective beyond marketing hyperbole.

Photography is as much about your creative vision as gear. Use these insights to find the right partner for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

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