Olympus FE-4000 vs Olympus E-PL8

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus FE-4000 versus Olympus E-PL8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the FE-4000 (12MP) and E-PL8 (16MP) and the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and E-PL8 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The FE-4000 was unveiled 8 years earlier than the E-PL8 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the FE-4000 scores versus the E-PL8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4000 and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-4000 enjoys outer measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL8 has dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-4000 versus Olympus E-PL8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the FE-4000 compared to the E-PL8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FE-4000 and E-PL8 is 95 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The visual below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-4000 and E-PL8.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FE-4000 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older FE-4000 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.