Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-P5 versus Panasonic SZ8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-P5 was manufactured 3 months prior to the SZ8 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-P5 scores versus the SZ8 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P5 enjoys physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 420 grams (0.93 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).

See the Olympus E-P5 versus Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P5 against the SZ8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P5 and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P5 and SZ8.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-P5 has got the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult.