Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic GX8

The following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GX8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the GX8 (20MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL5 was brought out 3 years prior to the GX8 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL5 matches up against the GX8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic GX8 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 has outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic GX8 has sizing of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GX8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-PL5 against the GX8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and GX8 is 88 and 74 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The image underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and GX8.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic GX8 to resolve extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.