Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZS80

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL7 versus Panasonic ZS80, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL7 was launched 4 years before the ZS80 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL7 grades against the ZS80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL7 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL7 features exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS80 has measurements of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL7 versus Panasonic ZS80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL7 vs the ZS80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL7 and ZS80 is 86 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The image underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL7 and ZS80.

All in all, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL7 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS80 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.