Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH22

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH22, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the FH22 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FH22 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL8 was released 6 years after the FH22 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL8 grades vs the FH22 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic FH22 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys outer measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic FH22 has measurements of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH22 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL8 and the FH22.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and FH22 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and FH22.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL8 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The fresher E-PL8 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.