Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic SZ8

Following is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic SZ8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was revealed 3 years prior to the SZ8 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL2 matches up vs the SZ8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic SZ8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PL2 versus the SZ8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and SZ8.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic SZ8 will result in more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.