Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FS15

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FS15, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and FS15 (12MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FS15 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-PL8 was brought out 7 years after the FS15 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL8 grades against the FS15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 features exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic FS15 has specifications of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FS15 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL8 and the FS15.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and FS15 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by viewing specs. The picture underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and FS15.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL8 will result in extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 provides an edge in sensor tech.