Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FP8

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FP8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FP8 (12MP) is very similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FP8 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was unveiled 16 months after the FP8 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL1s matches up versus the FP8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FP8 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have 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") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP8 has proportions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic FP8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1s versus the FP8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and FP8 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The picture below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and FP8.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with the identical MP but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1s comes with the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The newer E-PL1s is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.