Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic S1H

Following is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic S1H, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and S1H (24MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and S1H (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was unveiled 3 years before the S1H which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1H being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL8 grades versus the S1H in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic S1H Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 has got external dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S1H has specifications of 151mm x 114mm x 110mm (5.9" x 4.5" x 4.3") and a weight of 1052 grams (2.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic S1H in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the S1H.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and S1H is 86 and 52 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by researching a spec sheet. The picture here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and S1H.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic S1H will render more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PL8 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.