Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SZ-15

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-15, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SZ-15 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SZ-15 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL8 was released 3 years later than the SZ-15 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL8 grades vs the SZ-15 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-15. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL8 features physical 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) while the Olympus SZ-15 has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-15 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the SZ-15.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and SZ-15 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The graphic underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and SZ-15.

All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 comes with the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The fresher E-PL8 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.