Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZS1

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic ZS1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was brought out 8 years later than the ZS1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PL9 grades vs the ZS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with external measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 vs the ZS1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and ZS1 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to see the difference in sensor measurements just by going through specifications. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and ZS1.

To sum up, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PL9 will show more detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.