Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FX700

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic FX700, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the FX700 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FX700 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was brought out 6 years later than the FX700 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX700 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL8 grades versus the FX700 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Panasonic FX700 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 offers outer 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) while the Panasonic FX700 has specifications of 104mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 176 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic FX700 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL8 and the FX700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and FX700 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out specifications. The graphic here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and FX700.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will produce greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 will have an advantage in sensor technology.