Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic SZ8

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic SZ8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is pretty close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 15 months before the SZ8 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL5 grades versus the SZ8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has sizing of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic SZ8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL5 vs the SZ8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and SZ8 is 88 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and SZ8.

As you have seen, both the cameras have the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL5 provides the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PL5 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.