Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS8

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic ZS8, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-M1 was introduced 2 years later than the ZS8 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-M1 grades against the ZS8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 offers exterior measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 versus the ZS8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and ZS8 is 71 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out specifications. The visual below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and ZS8.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will provide more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.