Leica M8 vs Olympus E-PL1s

On this page, we are analyzing the Leica M8 versus Olympus E-PL1s, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M8 (10MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is fairly comparable but the M8 (APS-H) and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) have different sensor dimensions.

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The M8 was released 4 years prior to the E-PL1s and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the M8 scores against the E-PL1s in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M8 and Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Leica M8 enjoys outside measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1s has sizing of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M8 versus Olympus E-PL1s in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the M8 versus the E-PL1s.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the M8 and E-PL1s is 79 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the M8 and E-PL1s.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M8 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus E-PL1s will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older M8 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.