Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic SZ8

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic SZ8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL7 was announced 8 months after the SZ8 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL7 scores against the SZ8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL7 has outer measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has proportions 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-PL7 vs Panasonic SZ8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL7 versus the SZ8.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL7 and SZ8 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The image below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL7 and SZ8.

All in all, each of these cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL7 comes with the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF easier. The newer E-PL7 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.