Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SH-50

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus SH-50, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SH-50 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SH-50 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was released 3 years later than the SH-50 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL8 grades against the SH-50 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Olympus SH-50. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 provides outside dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Olympus SH-50 has specifications of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus SH-50 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL8 vs the SH-50.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and SH-50 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and SH-50.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 provides the larger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL8 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.