Leica M8 vs Olympus PEN-F

Following is a complete analysis of the Leica M8 versus Olympus PEN-F, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Olympus. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and PEN-F (20MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and PEN-F (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The M8 was revealed 9 years earlier than the PEN-F which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the M8 grades against the PEN-F for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M8 & Olympus PEN-F. The full galleries are available at Leica M8 Gallery & Olympus PEN-F Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica M8 offers exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Olympus PEN-F has measurements of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs).

Check out the Leica M8 versus Olympus PEN-F in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the M8 and the PEN-F.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the M8 and PEN-F is 79 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through specs. The image here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and PEN-F.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M8 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus PEN-F will result in extra detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged M8 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.