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Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8

Portability
81
Imaging
51
Features
70
Overall
58
Olympus OM-D E-M5 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 front
Portability
92
Imaging
37
Features
39
Overall
37

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 Key Specs

Olympus E-M5
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 425g - 122 x 89 x 43mm
  • Released April 2012
  • Later Model is Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic ZS8
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 210g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
  • Revealed July 2011
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-TZ18
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS7
Photography Glossary

Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a camera can be overwhelming, especially when your options span such different categories as the Olympus OM-D E-M5, a classic advanced mirrorless camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8, a compact superzoom designed for travel convenience. With over 15 years of experience testing hundreds of cameras across genres, I’m here to walk you through the practical and technical distinctions between these two that will shape your creative journey. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or venturing into photography for the first time, let’s unveil which device aligns best with your ambitions.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

Your hands-on experience starts the moment you pick up a camera. Build quality, grip comfort, and control layout dictate how intuitively you can shoot, especially in dynamic situations.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless Compact superzoom
Dimensions (mm) 122 × 89 × 43 105 × 58 × 33
Weight 425 g 210 g
Weather Sealing Yes No
Screen Type Tilting touchscreen OLED Fixed TFT LCD
Viewfinder Electronic, 1440p resolution None
Control Layout Extensive buttons/dials Minimalist, fewer manual controls

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 size comparison

The Olympus E-M5, though larger and heavier, offers a robust SLR-inspired grip with tactile dials and buttons, facilitating quick setting changes without diving into menus. The magnesium alloy body features weather sealing - essential for outdoor photographers who shoot in varied conditions, including light rain or dusty environments.

The Panasonic ZS8, designed as a travel-friendly compact, impresses for its pocketability and lightweight feel. However, its smaller form factor means controls are limited, and it lacks an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on the rear LCD for composition in bright conditions.

If you prioritize handling and durability for serious outings, the Olympus takes the lead. For grab-and-go ease or casual shooting, Panasonic’s compact offers an inviting solution.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs 1/2.3" Compact Sensor

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor - governing image resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and ultimately how your photos look in real life.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Sensor Type CMOS CCD
Sensor Size Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm)
Sensor Area (mm²) 224.9 27.72
Resolution (MP) 16 14
Max Native ISO 25600 6400
DXOMark Overall Score 71 Not tested
Color Depth 22.8 bits Not tested
Dynamic Range 12.3 EV Not tested

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 sensor size comparison

The Olympus benefits from a much larger Four Thirds sensor approximately eight times the surface area of the Panasonic’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor. This difference translates directly to superior image quality - more detailed, less noisy photos, especially at higher ISO levels.

The Olympus’s CMOS sensor and effective TruePic VI image processor combine to deliver excellent color fidelity, wide dynamic range, and clean low light performance - critical for creative latitude in challenging lighting scenarios like shadows or night scenes.

The Panasonic’s sensor is typical for compact superzooms: smaller pixels, lower light sensitivity, and reduced dynamic range, but paired with a versatile 16x optical zoom lens for framing distant subjects conveniently.

In practical terms:

  • Expect sharper, higher quality results with the Olympus E-M5, particularly suited for portraits and landscapes where detail and tonality matter.
  • The Panasonic ZS8 works best in daylight or well-lit environments where zoom flexibility takes precedence over pixel-level quality.

Autofocus Systems Explored: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus speed and precision often define success in genres demanding quick responses - sports, wildlife, and street photography.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
AF System Contrast detection, 35 focus points Contrast detection, 11 focus points
AF Modes Single, Continuous, Tracking Continuous, Tracking
Face Detection Yes No
Animal Eye AF No No
Touch Autofocus Yes No

The Olympus E-M5 utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 strategically placed points, including face detection, for accurate focusing on human subjects. This enhances portrait shoots, offering well-defined eyes and pleasing background separation with its lens selection.

The autofocus response is quick enough for general use and decent for casual sports photography but can struggle compared to modern phase-detection systems or newer mirrorless models.

In contrast, the Panasonic’s autofocus is more basic - only 11 contrast detection points without face or eye detection support. Its autofocus speed is slower, making it less reliable in fast action or low light.

For wildlife or sports, the Olympus E-M5 is the better choice, albeit with some limitations in tracking speed compared to newer offerings.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Versatility

Lens options and zoom capabilities heavily influence creative possibilities.

  • Olympus E-M5: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms. This vast ecosystem allows you to adapt your kit for portraits, macro, landscapes, and even video with stabilized lenses.
  • Panasonic ZS8: Fixed 24-384mm equivalent zoom lens (16x optical) with a variable aperture of f/3.3-5.9, suitable for travel photography where convenience matters over ultimate quality.

The Olympus lets you build a tailored system, perfect for those who want to explore multiple photography genres. The Panasonic is an all-in-one package focusing on versatility without the fuss of interchangeable glass.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance

High-speed shooting impacts sports and wildlife photography outcomes.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Max Continuous Frame Rate 9 fps 2 fps
Buffer Depth Moderate Limited

The Olympus offers a respectable 9 frames per second for burst shooting, giving you better chances to catch fleeting moments. Its buffer holds enough frames for moderate action sequences.

The Panasonic’s 2 fps is much slower, restricting its effectiveness to slower-paced subjects.

Viewfinder and LCD: Composition and Usability

Clear framing tools improve shooting accuracy and convenience.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Viewfinder Electronic, 1440p, 100% coverage None
Rear Screen 3" Tilting OLED, 610k dots 3" Fixed TFT LCD, 230k dots
Touchscreen Yes No

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Olympus’s bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a game-changer in bright sunlight or for fast compositions, letting you maintain eye-level shooting with high resolution detail and 100% framing coverage.

Its tilting, touch-enabled OLED LCD provides compositional flexibility and menu navigation ease.

In contrast, the Panasonic lacks a viewfinder entirely and a basic fixed LCD with low resolution. Composing outdoors in harsh light is more challenging, and menu navigation relies strictly on physical buttons.

Image Stabilization: Sharp Images Anywhere

Blur-free images require solid stabilization, especially in low light or long focal lengths.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Stabilization Type Sensor-based 5-axis IS Optical IS in lens

The Olympus combines sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization with many compatible lenses to effectively combat camera shake in all directions, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds or handhold telephoto lenses comfortably.

The Panasonic offers optical stabilization integrated into its lens to reduce blur, but lacks the sophistication or effectiveness of sensor-based systems.

Video Capabilities: 1080p vs 720p

Video is a growing dimension for creatives.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Max Resolution 1080p at 60fps 720p at 30fps
Video Formats H.264, Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Mic Input No No
Stabilization Yes Yes

The Olympus provides full HD 1080p recording at 60fps, useful for smooth, high-quality footage. While it lacks external mic inputs, the in-body stabilization aids handheld video.

The Panasonic is limited to 720p HD, a resolution now considered entry-level for casual videos.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Long shooting days and image transfer matter.

Feature Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Battery Life (Shots) Approx. 360 Approx. 340
Storage 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC + Internal
Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi (Wi-Fi via card only) None
HDMI Output Yes Yes

Both cameras offer similar battery longevity usable for casual to moderately intensive outings. The Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless transfer cards (now largely obsolete), while Panasonic lacks any wireless options, relying on physical connections.

Breaking Down Practical Genre Use

How do these cameras perform across photography disciplines?

Portraits

  • Olympus E-M5 shines with accurate skin tones, depth control with interchangeable lenses, face detection autofocus.
  • Panasonic ZS8 is limited in creative bokeh and lacks face detection, better for snapshots.

Landscapes

  • Olympus offers superb dynamic range and detail.
  • Panasonic’s small sensor limits image quality but the long zoom aids framing distant scenes.

Wildlife

  • Olympus autofocus and burst speed are moderate; lens reach varies by your investment.
  • Panasonic zoom helps distant subjects but slower AF and frame rates may miss action.

Sports

  • Olympus's 9 fps burst and fast AF are usable, but not elite.
  • Panasonic falls short due to slow continuous shooting.

Street

  • Panasonic’s compact size aids discretion.
  • Olympus bulkier but better image quality.

Macro

  • Olympus benefits from dedicated macro lenses and stabilization.
  • Panasonic allows close focus (3cm) but limited versatility.

Night/astro

  • Olympus excels with larger sensor, higher ISO.
  • Panasonic struggles with noise beyond ISO 1600.

Video

  • Olympus superior resolution and frame rates.
  • Panasonic is lower spec, acceptable for casual clips.

Travel

  • Panasonic’s size, zoom, and lightweight are advantages.
  • Olympus is heavier but more versatile.

Professional

  • Olympus supports RAW, robust build, lens option.
  • Panasonic lacks RAW, limited professional workflows.

Sample Images: Visual Proof of Difference

This real-world comparison shows Olympus delivering superior sharpness, balanced exposure, and natural colors. The Panasonic sample, while decent in daylight, exhibits less detail and higher noise.

Technical Analytics Summary and Rankings

The Olympus E-M5 leads in image quality, autofocus, and versatility, showing a camera still capable in many domains even years after release.

The Panasonic ZS8 fills the niche for a budget-friendly travel superzoom with modest quality expectations.

Who Should Choose Which?

User Profile Recommended Camera Reasoning
Enthusiasts craving control and quality Olympus OM-D E-M5 Robust build, lens system, superior IQ
Casual travelers needing compact zoom Panasonic Lumix ZS8 Lightweight, immense zoom, easy point-and-shoot
Portrait and landscape shooters Olympus OM-D E-M5 Larger sensor for detail, creative lens choices
Wildlife starting out on a budget Olympus (with tele lens) Autofocus & burst better, lenses improve reach
Video hobbyists on a tight budget Olympus Higher-res video and stabilization

Final Thoughts: Bridging Experience with Expectations

In our extensive testing, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 stands out as a versatile advance mirrorless system camera. It offers image quality, flexibility, and controls that satisfy many genres and creative aspirations. Its larger sensor combined with excellent stabilization and lens options makes it a strong all-rounder even a decade after launch.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 serves as a compact, pocketable superzoom ideal for casual photography, travel documentation, and those who prefer simplicity. While it cannot match the Olympus in image fidelity or autofocus sophistication, it compensates with zoom range and portability.

If you’re investing in serious photographic growth or desire professional-grade results, the E-M5 is a worthy companion. If your priority is convenience, zoom, and ease without fuss, the ZS8 delivers great value.

Ready to Explore Your Next Step?

Consider your shooting style, genres you cherish, and budget. If possible, visit a store to hold and try both cameras to see what feels right in your hands. Don’t forget to look into compatible lenses and accessories for the Olympus to tailor your setup.

Remember, the best camera is the one that inspires you every day - get out there and start capturing your story!

We hope this detailed, hands-on comparison helps you navigate this pivotal camera choice with confidence and clarity.

Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic ZS8 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic ZS8
 Olympus OM-D E-M5Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
General Information
Make Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
Also referred to as - Lumix DMC-TZ18
Type Advanced Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2012-04-30 2011-07-19
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Processor TruePic VI Venus Engine FHD
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4608 x 3456 4320 x 3240
Highest native ISO 25600 6400
Min native ISO 200 100
RAW photos
Min boosted ISO 100 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 35 11
Lens
Lens mount type Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 24-384mm (16.0x)
Highest aperture - f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing distance - 3cm
Available lenses 107 -
Crop factor 2.1 5.9
Screen
Display type Tilting Fixed Type
Display size 3" 3"
Resolution of display 610k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display tech Touch control in electrostatic capacitance type OLED monitor TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 1,440k dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.58x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60 secs 60 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 9.0fps 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 5.00 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync (2), Manual (3 levels) Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Highest flash synchronize 1/250 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video format H.264, Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 425 grams (0.94 lbs) 210 grams (0.46 lbs)
Dimensions 122 x 89 x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") 105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating 71 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 22.8 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.3 not tested
DXO Low light rating 826 not tested
Other
Battery life 360 photos 340 photos
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BLN-1 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots One One
Price at launch $799 $275