Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus 8000

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus 8000, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the 8000 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and 8000 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was brought out 10 months later than the 8000 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-P2 scores versus the 8000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Olympus 8000 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P2 provides outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Olympus 8000 has measurements of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus 8000 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P2 vs the 8000.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and 8000 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and 8000.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The E-P2 uses the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The younger E-P2 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.