Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SH-1

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SH-1, former being 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 SH-1 (16MP) is very close but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was announced 2 years later than the SH-1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PL8 scores versus the SH-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 offers physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Olympus SH-1 has measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus SH-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 versus the SH-1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and SH-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and SH-1.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact MP but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL8 comes with the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The younger E-PL8 will have a benefit in sensor technology.