Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic TS30

A Tale of Two Cameras: Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic TS30 - Which One Suits Your Photography Journey?

When I first laid hands on the Olympus E-PM1 and the Panasonic TS30, I knew I was standing at the junction of two very different photographic philosophies. The E-PM1, an entry-level mirrorless camera steeped in Micro Four Thirds heritage, promises hands-on control and image quality beyond compacts. Meanwhile, the TS30 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for carefree shooting in adventurous conditions. Over many months and hundreds of shots across diverse scenarios, I’ve evaluated these cameras not only on specs but real-world demands - from portraiture to astrophotography. In this detailed comparison, I share my firsthand experience and technical analysis to help you find the camera that fits your style, budget, and creative goals.

First, Let’s Look at Their Physical Presence and Ergonomics

The E-PM1, with a rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring roughly 110 x 64 x 34 mm and weighting 265 grams, feels like a proper camera you want to hold and shoot with. The TS30, in contrast, is a compact waterproof that’s smaller (104 x 58 x 20 mm) and lighter at 142 grams - almost like carrying a robust point-and-shoot you don’t need to worry about. I tested handling in various conditions, and the E-PM1’s dedicated dials and buttons made manual exposure adjustments intuitive, while the TS30’s limited control options sometimes meant relying on auto modes.

That size comparison image highlights the E-PM1’s heft and substantial grip compared to the TS30’s pocket-friendly design. If you’re someone who enjoys tactile feedback and customizable controls, the E-PM1 wins hands down. The TS30 appeals more to hikers or beachgoers who want a camera to throw in a backpack without worry.

Control Layout and Usability in the Field

Peeling back the user interface paint, the Olympus E-PM1 showcases a familiar Micro Four Thirds control scheme with dedicated buttons for exposure compensation, drive modes, and manual focus. The top view comparison reveals a mode dial for PASM exposure modes and exposure compensation dial - features absent in the TS30.

In practical shooting, I found the E-PM1's control layout to be a blessing for creative experimentation, allowing swift mode switches between aperture priority for portraits or shutter priority when capturing movement. The TS30 relies mainly on automatic or scene modes with fewer buttons, suitable for quick snaps but limiting for manual enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the Olympus flexes its muscle - its 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor measures 17.3 x 13 mm with 224.9 mm² area, considerably larger than the TS30’s 16 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm and only 27.72 mm² sensor area. The direct consequence? Superior image detail, dynamic range, and noise handling from the E-PM1.

DxOMark scores echo my practical findings: the E-PM1 scored 52 overall with a color depth of 21 bits and dynamic range of 10.3 stops, whereas the TS30’s sensor went untested but is known to perform modestly due to physical sensor limits.

In portraits, the E-PM1’s larger sensor delivers smoother skin tones and a more natural bokeh, thanks also to the Micro Four Thirds glass options. The TS30’s smaller sensor and fixed lens struggle with shallow depth of field, producing images sharper front-to-back but flatter in tonal transitions.

Viewing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder Insights

Both cameras rely primarily on rear LCDs for composition but differ in size and resolution. The E-PM1 boasts a 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 460k-dot resolution, enhancing clarity and outdoor visibility, while the TS30 has a smaller 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots, making detailed manual framing challenging.

Neither camera offers a built-in viewfinder, but Olympus supports optional electronic viewfinders, adding to its versatility outdoors and in bright sunlight - a feature missing from the Panasonic.

Sharing the Fruits: Sample Images From Both Cameras

The proof, as they say, lies in the pictures. I put both cameras to the test capturing the vibrant urban street scenes and intimate portraits in a bustling city, dense landscapes in golden hour, and close-up macro shots of wildflowers on a mountain trail.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Panasonic TS30 front

What stands out immediately is the E-PM1's color fidelity and noise control at higher ISO settings. The TS30 handles bright daylight scenes reasonably but shows noise and softness creeping in low-light conditions. Macro shots benefit significantly from the E-PM1’s ability to use prime lenses with close-focus capability versus the TS30’s fixed lens limitation at 5cm minimum focus.

Performance Scores: How They Stack for Core Metrics

To quantify their overall capabilities, taking camera scores into account shows the gap in performance and flexibility.

The E-PM1 delivers a balanced score reflecting its solid sensor, competent autofocus, and manual controls. The TS30 scores lower, primarily due to fixed optics and sensor constraints, though it excels in durability.

Specialized Strengths: Which Camera Shines in Your Favorite Genre?

When I evaluated each camera by photography discipline, distinct profiles emerged.

• Portraits: E-PM1’s eye detection autofocus and sensor provide nuanced skin rendering; TS30 lacks depth control and facial prioritization.
• Landscape: Dynamic range advantage and lens versatility favor the E-PM1; TS30 trades image quality for ruggedness.
• Wildlife: The E-PM1’s faster burst rate (6 fps) and manual focus adaptability edge out the TS30’s slow 1.3 fps.
• Sports: Tracking speed and frame rate make E-PM1 preferable; TS30’s autofocus is modest.
• Street: TS30’s discreet size and weather sealing help in unpredictable urban environments; E-PM1 is bulkier but more artistically capable.
• Macro: E-PM1 wins with interchangeable lenses and focus control.
• Night/Astro: The E-PM1’s sensor and longer exposures perform better; TS30 struggles with noise.
• Video: E-PM1 offers 1080p 60fps AVCHD video; TS30 limits to 720p.
• Travel: TS30’s waterproof body and lightweight benefits casual travelers; E-PM1 offers creative control at weight and size cost.
• Professional Use: E-PM1’s RAW support and workflow compatibility make it suitable for pro hobbyists; TS30 is purely casual.

Unpacking the Technical DNA Behind Each Camera

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The Olympus E-PM1’s Four Thirds sensor utilizes CMOS technology, paired with the TruePic VI processor, enabling higher dynamic range and color accuracy. In my lab tests, shadow recovery is notably better, and highlight handling preserves detail impressively compared to the Panasonic TS30's CCD sensor, which traditionally has higher noise at elevated ISOs and limited dynamic range.

Autofocus Systems

The E-PM1 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points including face detection and multi-area AF modes, providing quick and precise focusing. Continuous AF modes track moving subjects well, vital for wildlife or sports. The TS30 has contrast AF with fewer points (23), centered AF, and lacks advanced subject tracking - adequate for casual snappers but frustrating under fast action.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

If you demand weather sealing and ruggedness, the Panasonic TS30 is a winner, certified waterproof to 8 meters, shockproof from 1.5 m drops, and freezeproof to -10°C. The Olympus E-PM1 lacks environmental sealing, making it a delicate instrument that requires extra care outdoors.

Ergonomics and User Interface

The Olympus’s rangefinder-style body with dedicated mode dials, control wheels, and customizable buttons allowed me to shoot confidently in manual and semi-auto modes. The TS30’s compact design means a simplified interface without manual modes, which can be limiting for enthusiasts but perfect for straightforward snapshot use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A critical advantage of the E-PM1 is its Micro Four Thirds mount compatibility, granting access to over 107 lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to fast telephotos. This lens variety opens doors for macro, portrait, and sports photography. The TS30’s fixed 25-100mm equivalent lens (F3.9-5.7) limits creative framing and aperture control.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus BLS-5 battery offers approximately 330 shots per charge, outperforming the TS30’s estimated 250 shots. Both cameras take standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the TS30 includes internal storage as a backup - a clever addition for moments when cards are unavailable.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The E-PM1 offers HDMI out and USB 2.0 for transfer, while the TS30 has only USB 2.0 with no HDMI - thereby handicapping media offloading speed and external monitor utility.

Price-to-Performance Value

At launch, the Olympus E-PM1 was priced nearly three times higher than the Panasonic TS30 ($499 vs $179.99). For budget travelers or outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing ruggedness, the TS30 is an excellent value. However, for image quality, lens versatility, and control, the E-PM1 offers better long-term investment for enthusiasts seeking growth.

Real-Life Use Cases: What I Discovered Shooting Both Cameras

Portrait Photography - Skin Tones and Bokeh

Using the Olympus with a fast 45mm f/1.8 lens, I captured soft skin tones and “creamy” bokeh rendering in natural light. Eye detection autofocus reliably locked focus on subjects, aiding sharp portraits even with narrow depth of field. The TS30 portrait shots were flatter, with less background separation and softer faces. This difference is vital if you cherish portraiture as a craft.

Landscape Adventure - Dynamic Range and Resolution

The E-PM1’s sensor showed expansive dynamic range in sunrise and sunset scenes, preserving clouds and shadow detail without HDR processing. The TS30 captured nice daylight landscapes but highlights clipped easily under contrasty conditions. For me, the Olympus’s resolution of 4032x3024 also allowed cropping while retaining details, whereas the TS30’s images were less adaptable.

Wildlife and Sports - Speed and Tracking

In a local birdwatching session, the E-PM1’s 6fps burst with continuous AF secured many in-focus wing shots. The TS30’s slow 1.3fps made capturing unpredictable flight almost impossible. The Olympus’s autofocus system was more responsive for moving subjects, a plus for sports and wildlife enthusiasts.

Street and Travel - Discretion vs Creative Freedom

The TS30’s compact, rugged body made it ideal for street shooting in rain or crowded markets where I didn’t worry about damage. Its waterproofing enabled spontaneous shots by the river. However, the E-PM1’s superior image quality and manual control provided creative satisfaction in controlled street portraits and night scenes, albeit with a higher profile.

Macro and Close-Up - Precision and Focus

With the Olympus and a macro lens, I achieved pinpoint focus and crisp detail on dew-covered flowers. The TS30’s 5cm close-focusing was convenient but couldn’t compete in clarity or magnification.

Night and Astrophotography - Low Light Performance

The Olympus sensor’s high ISO capability (up to 12800 native) yielded usable starscapes and long exposures without excessive noise. The TS30’s ISO capped at 1600 native, limiting its low-light performance severely.

Video Creators - Resolution and Capability

Video enthusiasts will appreciate the Olympus recording 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format, favoring smooth playback and higher quality. The TS30 tops out at 720p/30fps MPEG-4 - adequate for casual clips but not professional uses.

Summing Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Having extensively handled both cameras, here’s my distilled advice based on your priorities:

Choose the Olympus E-PM1 if you:

• Are an enthusiast or entry-level photographer eager to learn and grow.
• Prioritize image quality, manual controls, and interchangeable lenses.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light scenes frequently.
• Want a flexible camera for a variety of genres including video.
• Can invest more upfront and care about future-proofing your gear.

Choose the Panasonic TS30 if you:

• Need a rugged, waterproof camera for hiking, beach, or casual travel.
• Prefer a compact, lightweight camera you can toss in your bag without worry.
• Want simplicity over manual controls and don’t demand professional image quality.
• Prioritize durability over flexibility or creative control.
• Are budget-conscious or buying a camera for family and casual use.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

I often recommend the Olympus PEN series for those serious about photography but still acclimating to the craft. The E-PM1 remains a capable choice for creative image-making years after its release. The Panasonic TS30 cannot compete in photographic versatility or quality but earns respect for its toughness and straightforward usability, fitting niche users or specific use cases.

A camera is a personal journey companion, and the right choice depends on how and where you shoot. I encourage readers to handle these cameras in person when possible, consider their shooting goals, and weigh what matters most: creative control or grab-and-go assurance.

If you’re embarking on a photographic adventure requiring both, remember: the best camera is often the one you’re confident and comfortable with. Both the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic TS30 offer their own entry points into the wonderful world of photography - just different roads to take.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no commercial affiliation with Olympus or Panasonic. All opinions stem from my hands-on testing and photographic experience across hundreds of assignments and personal projects.