Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus TG-320

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus TG-320, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the TG-320 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and TG-320 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was introduced 4 years later than the TG-320 and that is quite a big 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 TG-320 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL8 matches up against the TG-320 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Olympus TG-320. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Olympus TG-320 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 offers 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 TG-320 has sizing of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus TG-320 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL8 against the TG-320.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and TG-320 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and TG-320.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher E-PL8 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.