Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FZ70

Here, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FZ70, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the FZ70 (16MP) is very close but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FZ70 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was brought out 3 years later than the FZ70 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-PL8 grades vs the FZ70 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 features external dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ70 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FZ70 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-PL8 against the FZ70.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and FZ70 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The photograph here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and FZ70.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL8 has the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The more recent E-PL8 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.