Leica M-Monochrom vs Olympus E-PL8

The following is a extensive analysis of the Leica M-Monochrom versus Olympus E-PL8, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Leica and Olympus. The image resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the E-PL8 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and E-PL8 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor measurements.

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The M-Monochrom was announced 5 years before the E-PL8 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the M-Monochrom grades versus the E-PL8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica M-Monochrom has external dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL8 has dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Compare the Leica M-Monochrom versus Olympus E-PL8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the M-Monochrom versus the E-PL8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M-Monochrom and E-PL8 is 78 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the M-Monochrom and E-PL8.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The M-Monochrom using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Leica M-Monochrom will provide extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged M-Monochrom will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.