Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SZ-30MR

Following is a extended overview of the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-30MR, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SZ-30MR (16MP) is very comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SZ-30MR (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL8 was released 5 years after the SZ-30MR which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-30MR being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL8 grades vs the SZ-30MR with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Olympus SZ-30MR. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Olympus SZ-30MR Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 comes with outer measurements 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 SZ-30MR has sizing of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-30MR in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL8 vs the SZ-30MR.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and SZ-30MR is 86 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and SZ-30MR.

Clearly, the two cameras offer the same exact MP but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL8 offers the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The more modern E-PL8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.