• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PL1 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    487 vs 138 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    15 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Olympus E-PL1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More dynamic range
    11.2 vs 10.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-P2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster shutter
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus E-P2
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PL2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-PL2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus E-PL2
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-P3
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic ZS50
Olympus E-P3
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Olympus E-PL1
Panasonic ZS40
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic ZS50
Panasonic ZS40
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Olympus E-PL1
Canon SX700 HS
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic ZS50
Canon SX700 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter
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