Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic S1

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and S1 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was announced 21 months later than the S1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL5 scores against the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL5 and the S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and S1 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The photograph below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and S1.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will resolve more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.