Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SZ-31MR iHS (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SZ-31MR iHS (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-PL8 was launched 4 years after the SZ-31MR iHS which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL8 matches up vs the SZ-31MR iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys external dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus SZ-31MR iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 vs the SZ-31MR iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and SZ-31MR iHS is 86 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through specifications. The pic here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and SZ-31MR iHS.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy the same exact MP but different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 uses the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF easier. The more modern E-PL8 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.