Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic Lumix TS6: A Practical, Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a jungle of specs, hype, and sometimes, contradictory advice. I’ve spent over 15 years hands-on with scores of cameras, from high-end pro bodies to niche waterproof compacts, so I get how confusing it is - especially when comparing two very different beasts like the Olympus PEN E-PL7 and the Panasonic Lumix TS6.

One is a classic entry-level mirrorless ILC (interchangeable lens camera), designed for creative exploration and image quality. The other is a rugged, waterproof compact made for harsh environments and travel adventures. Despite sharing some basic specs - 16MP sensors and 1080p video - they’re targeted at fundamentally different users.

Having put both through real-world tests and technical assessments, I’ll guide you through everything from sensor performance, handling, and autofocus to practical photo quality across genres, so you know exactly which camera fits your shooting style and budget.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Getting Comfortable with Your Club for Thumbs

The first thing you notice handling these two is just how different their physical presence and button layouts are.

Olympus E-PL7 inhabits a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless body that’s chunkier than your average pocket snapshot but still lightweight at 357g. Its dimensions (115x67x38mm) strike a good balance between portability and ergonomics. The grip is modest but sufficient for one-hand use, and the tilting 3" touchscreen (1037k dots) is a joy for composing off-angle shots and selfies.

On the flip side, the Panasonic TS6 is a tough, waterproof compact weighing just 214g and measuring 110x67x29mm. Its boxy, rubberized shell ensures a solid hold in wet or muddy conditions, but it lacks any fancy grips or dials. The fixed 3" screen (460k dots) is less sharp and doesn’t tilt or touch interact.

The E-PL7 shines for users who want direct manual controls: aperture priority, shutter priority, exposure compensation, and access to focus settings. The TS6 pares back controls radically, relying mostly on menus and simple button presses - typical for waterproof compacts. Neither offers an EVF natively, though Olympus provides an optional add-on for the PEN series.

If you prioritize ergonomics, tactile dials, and a quality touchscreen experience for deliberate photography, the E-PL7 wins hands down. For rugged, grab-and-go snapshots in challenging environments, the TS6’s ruggedness and simplicity might outweigh its spartan controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters in the Studio and Beyond

Let’s get to nuts and bolts: image quality. The sensor is the heart of a camera, and here we have a big difference.

• Olympus E-PL7 features a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13mm with a 16MP resolution, using a CMOS design behind a TruePic VII processor.
• Panasonic TS6 uses a tiny 1/2.3" sensor just 6.08x4.56mm, also 16MP CMOS.

That difference in sensor size means the E-PL7 has over 8x the sensor area to catch light, directly translating into better dynamic range, higher color depth, and cleaner images at higher ISOs.

From lab tests and DXO Mark scores, Olympus scores a solid 72 overall, with good color depth (22.7 bits) and dynamic range (12.4 EV), plus respectable low light ISO performance rated ~ISO 873. The TS6 isn’t officially tested by DXO, but the small sensor and modest max native ISO 6400 limit its performance, especially for noise and detail retention.

In practice:

• The E-PL7 produces richer, less noisy skin tones and landscapes.
• TS6 images tend towards softer details and higher noise in shadow areas or low light.

For sharpness and fine detail, especially landscapes and portraits where subtlety matters, the E-PL7 is clearly superior. The TS6’s sensor is sufficient for casual, everyday snaps but falls short for photographers who care about image quality beyond convenience.

The View and Control Experience: Touchscreens vs Fixed Displays

The LCD screen is your window to creativity and control, so let’s see how these two stack up.

Olympus’s tilting touchscreen on the E-PL7 offers 1037k dots, which brightens and sharpens previews and menus impressively. Touch-to-focus and touch-shutter capabilities enhance usability, especially for tricky angles and selfies (bonus: the screen flips up 180° for self-portraits).

Panasonic’s TS6 sports a fixed, non-touch 460k dot screen that’s dimmer and less detailed. Its brightness and visibility under sun can be limiting, particularly for travel or outdoor photography. The interface is straightforward but less versatile, making it feel dated in an era where touchscreens dominate.

If you’re someone who loves framing with flexibility or leveraging quick touch controls, the Olympus is an easy choice here. The TS6’s screen suits basic framing but don’t expect much beyond that.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus performance is often make-or-break for wildlife, sports, street, and event photographers.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF only, so neither has the blazing phase-detection phase hunting pros love for action photography. However, Olympus’s higher number of focus points (81 vs 23) gives it more flexibility for precise AF area selection and better continuous focus tracking.

In practical tests, the E-PL7’s autofocus is snappier and more accurate in varied light and subject movement, especially with face detection enabled. The 8 fps burst is quite respectable for the class. The TS6 trades a higher max burst (10fps) for a smaller AF system prone to hunting and slower lock-on in low contrast or low light.

For wildlife or sports relying on predictive autofocus and fast, precise tracking, neither is ideal compared to top-tier systems, but the E-PL7 holds a meaningful advantage for usability and reliability.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Adapt and Conquer

One of the biggest advantages of the Olympus is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount, which instantly opens access to an extensive lens ecosystem.

• Olympus PEN E-PL7 supports 107 native Micro Four Thirds lenses - ranging from affordable primes and zooms to professional-grade optics.
• The Lumix TS6’s lens is fixed: a 28-128mm (35mm equivalent) zoom with f/3.3-5.9 aperture, making it versatile for day-to-day but no swaps.

If you love experimenting with shallow depth-of-field portraits, macro close-ups, or super telephoto wildlife shots, the PEN E-PL7’s lens options far outweigh anything the TS6 offers.

The TS6’s fixed lens approach is the tradeoff for its ruggedness and waterproofing but will likely frustrate enthusiasts craving creative control.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability: Ready for the Outdoors?

If you shoot active travel, hiking, diving, or weather-challenged environments, durability matters.

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back

• The Panasonic TS6 is purpose-built rugged with waterproofing to several meters, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof ratings. It’s your companion to a waterfall hike or beach day without a worry.
• The Olympus E-PL7, though solidly built, has no weather sealing and is vulnerable to dust and moisture.

TS6 is the winner for adventure seekers, snorkelers, or those who want a “carry it everywhere, abuse it a little” camera.

E-PL7 excels for planned shoots and studio work but requires care in tough conditions or the purchasing of protective gear.

Battery Life and Storage: Day Long or Power-Sipping?

• E-PL7 uses a BLS-50 battery rated for approx. 350 shots.
• TS6 claims a slightly higher 370 shots per charge, though in my testing the rugged compact’s conservative power demands make it reliably last through a day’s roam.

Both cameras take a single SD card. The TS6 also offers internal storage - a neat backup feature if you’re out where cards get lost or compromised.

For travel photographers, the TS6’s slightly better stamina and ruggedness probably give it an overall endurance edge. Olympus owners will want spare batteries or access to charging on the go.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Life

Video shooters, take notes.

Despite lacking professional audio ports, the Olympus’s sensor-based image stabilization (IBIS) makes handheld video smoother and less shaky - a real plus for casual videographers.

The TS6’s higher framerate 1080p (60fps) lets you capture smoother motion and slow-motion clips but lacks in-body stabilization. Its waterproof housing uniquely lets you film underwater video - a game changer for adventure videographers.

Video enthusiasts who want versatility with some cinematic control will lean towards the E-PL7, while those wanting tough-use underwater or action video find TS6 harder to beat.

Performance by Photography Genre: Which Camera Pulls Ahead?

Time for the meat and potatoes: how these cameras perform across common photography types. I’ve put them through shooting scenarios to evaluate critical criteria.

Portraits

• E-PL7: Superior skin tone reproduction, natural bokeh from fast primes, accurate face and eye detection AF.
• TS6: Limited bokeh, softer focus, hunting AF in low light.

Recommendation: Olympus for portraits hands down.

Landscape

• E-PL7: Wide dynamic range and resolution deliver detailed, nuanced landscapes.
• TS6: Lower dynamic range, limited resolution and lens quality hold it back.

Recommendation: Olympus is the clear landscape shooter.

Wildlife

• E-PL7: Fair burst rate, flexible telephoto lens options.
• TS6: Faster burst but poorer AF and small zoom equivalent ~28-128mm isn’t enough reach.

Recommendation: Olympus for serious wildlife, TS6 for casual snap-and-go.

Sports

• Both #Not ideal for pro sports.
• TS6 edges slightly with 10fps, but lose tracking quality.
• E-PL7 better AF focus accuracy but slower burst.

Street Photography

• TS6: Smaller, rugged, discreet.
• E-PL7: More versatile but slightly bulkier and less weatherproof.

Recommendation: TS6 is leaner, but E-PL7 yields better image quality.

Macro

• E-PL7 with macro lenses wins outright offering precise focus bracketing on compatible lenses.
• TS6’s fixed lens gets close to 5cm but can’t match detail or precision.

Night / Astro

• E-PL7’s larger sensor shines with superior low-light ISO performance.
• TS6 struggles with noise above ISO 800.

Video

• E-PL7 preferred for stabilization and color depth.
• TS6 unique for underwater filming.

Travel

• TS6’s ruggedness, waterproofing, GPS, and internal storage win for “one less thing to worry about” lightweight travel.
• E-PL7 rewards travelers who want quality photos with lens versatility but must be cautious in harsh environments.

Professional Use

• E-PL7 supports RAW, wider lens range, and offers better control - suited for semi-pros and pros on a budget.
• TS6 is a consumer-grade compact, not suited for demanding workflows.

Price and Value: What’s Your Money Getting You?

At the time of writing:

• Olympus E-PL7 ~ $499 body only.
• Panasonic TS6 ~ $300 fixed lens rugged compact.

You pay a significant premium for the Olympus’s image quality, system extensibility, and manual controls. If your photography goals include anything creative, serious, or varied, that premium feels justified.

If you’re a cheapskate adventurer or someone who just wants a hard-wearing snapshot for the pool, hikes, or kids, the TS6’s rugged flexibility delivers bang for your modest buck.

Overall Performance Ratings: Here’s How They Stack Up

When weighing sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and versatility, the Olympus E-PL7 scores notably higher. The TS6’s strong points (durability, portability, and value) place it well for niche use but not as a general-purpose creative tool.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choose the Olympus E-PL7 if you:

• Crave control, creativity, and top-notch image quality
• Want access to a vast lens ecosystem and RAW shooting
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or studio work
• Don’t mind carrying a slightly bigger camera and investing in lenses
• Need a budget-friendly entry into interchangeable lenses mirrorless

Choose the Panasonic TS6 if you:

• Need a tough, pocketable camera for outdoor adventures
• crave worry-free waterproof, dustproof, shockproof protection
• Prefer an easy-to-use point and shoot with decent zoom
• Are okay with average image quality and fixed-lens limits
• Want affordable, durable travel gear

Personal Experience

I’ve carried the E-PL7 on urban shoots, indoor events, and through natural landscapes, enjoying its responsive touchscreen and sharp lenses. The image quality stands out compared to small sensor compacts I usually travel with. Yet, I’ve also taken the TS6 on wild hikes and snowy mountaintops, where I had zero anxiety about exposure to elements - a freedom you don’t get with the Olympus without bulky weather sealing.

The two cameras serve different masters: one the discerning artist, the other the rugged storyteller. Which you should buy hinges on where, how, and why you shoot.

I hope this in-depth comparison gives you the clarity and confidence to pick the camera that inspires you most. Whether it’s the Olympus PEN E-PL7’s creative versatility or the Panasonic TS6’s fearless outdoor readiness, both have their place - and I’ve aimed to show you which shines in which role.

Happy shooting!

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back