Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FH8

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FH8, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and FH8 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FH8 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was launched 13 months prior to the FH8 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1s grades against the FH8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s has outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH8 has proportions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FH8 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1s against the FH8.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and FH8 is 86 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and FH8.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH8 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.