Olympus E-M1 II vs Olympus E-PL8

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-M1 II vs Olympus E-PL8, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the E-M1 II (20MP) and E-PL8 (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-M1 II was released at a similar time to the E-PL8 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-M1 II grades versus the E-PL8 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 II provides exterior measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL8 has specifications of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 II vs Olympus E-PL8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 II and the E-PL8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 II and E-PL8 is 68 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The photograph below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 II and E-PL8.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus E-M1 II to resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively.