Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic SZ8, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was released 4 years prior to the SZ8 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the SZ8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 has outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has proportions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1 against the SZ8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and SZ8 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and SZ8.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.