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 ZS1 and Olympus E-PL3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS1 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-PL3 has external dimensions of 110 x 64 x 37 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.46″) and weighs 313 g (0.69 lb / 11.04 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Olympus E-PL3. Panasonic ZS1 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 7mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 4mm thinner than Olympus E-PL3. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS1 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-PL3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-PL3, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Panasonic ZS1 vs Olympus E-PL3 Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Olympus E-PL3 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS1 and Olympus E-PL3.
![Panasonic ZS1 vs Olympus E-PL3 Camera Size Comparison - Back View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS1 and Olympus E-PL3 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 ZS1 is significantly lighter (84g ) than the Olympus E-PL3 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-PL3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Lumix DMC-TZ6) nor Olympus PEN E-PL3 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-PL3's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic ZS1's 2.7" screen.
In addition to the size advantage, Olympus E-PL3 LCD screen also has a
Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. On the other hand, Panasonic ZS1 has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to E-PL3.