Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic XS1

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic XS1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL6 was announced 20 months after the XS1 making them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL6 scores versus the XS1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL6 has exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic XS1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL6 vs the XS1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and XS1 is 88 and 97 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specs. The pic underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and XS1.

All in all, both cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL6 provides the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The younger E-PL6 will have an edge in sensor innovation.