Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZS8

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL7 versus Panasonic ZS8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL7 was introduced 3 years later than the ZS8 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PL7 grades versus the ZS8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL7 offers exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL7 versus Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL7 and the ZS8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL7 and ZS8 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL7 and ZS8.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL7 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL7 will offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern E-PL7 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.