Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic XS1

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic XS1, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and XS1 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The PEN-F was brought out 3 years after the XS1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the PEN-F matches up against the XS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN-F & Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus PEN-F Gallery & Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus PEN-F has outer measurements of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") along with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Check the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic XS1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the PEN-F versus the XS1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the PEN-F and XS1 is 84 and 97 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing specs. The pic here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the PEN-F and XS1.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The PEN-F due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus PEN-F will render greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher PEN-F should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.