Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic LX7

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic LX7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was released 3 years later than the LX7 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the LX7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 features physical 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 LX7 has measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic LX7 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the LX7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and LX7 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The graphic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and LX7.

All in all, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.