Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FH8

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic FH8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the FH8 (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and FH8 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was launched 9 months later than the FH8 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL5 matches up against the FH8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 has outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Panasonic FH8 has dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Panasonic FH8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the FH8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and FH8 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specifications. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and FH8.

Plainly, each of the cameras come with the identical megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 includes the larger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh simpler. The more recent E-PL5 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.