Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic SZ8

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic SZ8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The E-P2 was manufactured 4 years before the SZ8 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-P2 grades vs the SZ8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P2 has got exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-P2 and the SZ8.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and SZ8 is 86 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and SZ8.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will offer extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.