Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic FX48 and Olympus E-PL1s side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-PL1s has external dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm (4.53 x 2.83 x 1.65″) and weighs 334 g (0.74 lb / 11.78 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus E-PL1s. Panasonic FX48 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 20mm narrower, 19mm shorter and 20mm thinner than Olympus E-PL1s. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FX48 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-PL1s doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-PL1s, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus E-PL1s Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus E-PL1s Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus E-PL1s.
![Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus E-PL1s Camera Size Comparison - Back View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus E-PL1s Size and Weight - Back View
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FX48 is significantly lighter (184g ) than the Olympus E-PL1s which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on E-PL1s, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) nor Olympus PEN E-PL1s provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus E-PL1s's 2.7" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.