Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic Lumix SZ10: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Cameras

Choosing the right camera can be a complex decision, especially when faced with options as different as the Olympus PEN E-PL8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10. Although both cameras nominally target the casual photographer, their designs, capabilities, and intended uses couldn't be more distinct. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I know that understanding the nuances behind specs and real-world usage is essential to making a confident choice.

In this article, I’ll systematically compare these two entry-level models, exploring their build, image quality, autofocus, and performance across diverse photography genres - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and video. I'll also place each camera in context, highlighting which user types each will benefit most. This is a hands-on, experience-driven comparison built to help you decide which camera deserves a spot in your photo bag.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

Understanding a camera’s physical characteristics is fundamental since comfort and control layout directly impact your shooting experience.

Olympus E-PL8: This Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera features a classic rangefinder-style body, with dimensions of 115 x 67 x 38 mm and weighing 357g (body only). Its size fits nicely in one hand, striking a balance between portability and substantial grip. The magnesium alloy frame offers a sturdy feel, though it lacks weather sealing. Its 3-inch tilting touchscreen with over 1 million dots resolution ensures high visibility and tactile feedback, elevating user experience.

Panasonic SZ10: At 99 x 60 x 30 mm and a featherweight 177g, the SZ10 is a pocketable ultra-zoom compact camera. This makes it highly convenient for travel or casual shooting when weight and bulk must be minimized. However, the smaller body translates to less physical control - it has a more rudimentary button layout with no manual mode, limiting creative control.

Ergonomically, the E-PL8 is more comfortable for extended use, especially with interchangeable lenses adding to versatility, while the SZ10 scores points for simple, grab-and-go portability.

A Look at the Control Layout and Interface

Intuitive controls and a responsive interface enhance shooting enjoyment and speed.

The Olympus E-PL8 boasts a classic mirrorless control cluster: mode dial with PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual), exposure compensation dial, dedicated video button, and customizable function buttons - all thoughtfully positioned for quick access. The touchscreen complements physical controls with touch autofocus and menu navigation, improving speed and flexibility.

In contrast, the Panasonic SZ10 offers a pared-down experience with a mode dial featuring mostly automatic and scene modes - no manual exposure options. The button count is minimal, and the screen is not touch-enabled, restricting quick adjustments. While easy for beginners, this limits creative experimentation and adaptability under challenging lighting.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor size and technology govern image resolution, dynamic range, low-light performance, and detail-rendering capabilities.

• Olympus E-PL8 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm), significantly larger than the Panasonic’s sensor. This sensor size delivers notable advantages in image quality, including better noise control at high ISO, wider dynamic range, and more tonal depth. The presence of the TruePic VII processor supports efficient noise reduction and color processing.

• Panasonic SZ10 is equipped with a 16MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), typical for compact superzooms. While it offers the same pixel count nominally, the much smaller sensor area results in lower image quality, especially in low light, with visible noise and restricted dynamic range. CCD technology, older than CMOS, tends to lag in noise performance and power efficiency, despite usually delivering excellent daylight color reproduction.

In my testing under varied lighting, the E-PL8’s larger sensor produced images with richer colors, deeper contrast, and far cleaner shadows at ISO 1600 and above. Meanwhile, the SZ10 struggled noticeably at anything beyond base ISO, reinforcing that it is best suited for bright, well-lit environments.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screen and Viewfinder Systems

A good display and viewfinder are essential to precise framing, creative composition, and reliable operation in bright conditions.

The Olympus E-PL8 sports a bright 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,037k dots resolution. The tilting mechanism allows flexible angles for high or low shots, an advantage for street, travel, or macro photography. Its responsive touchscreen enables intuitive focus point selection and easy menu navigation, boosting usability.

The Panasonic SZ10 also features a 3-inch tilting screen but at a much lower 460k dots resolution, resulting in less sharp preview images. The lack of touchscreen control requires you to rely on physical buttons and dials, slowing down adjustments.

Neither camera offers a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), but the Olympus supports optional EVFs via the accessory hot shoe, a benefit for photographers working in bright sunlight who require stable framing or additional composure confidence.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Your Subject Reliably

Autofocus systems are critical for sharp images, especially for moving subjects such as wildlife, sports, or street candid photography.

• Olympus E-PL8 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 81 focus points, supported by face detection and continuous AF tracking. While it lacks phase-detect autofocus and animal eye detection, the system performs admirably in good light, locking focus quickly and maintaining it smoothly during sequences of moving subjects.

• Panasonic SZ10 has a simpler 9-point contrast-detect AF without continuous tracking, and no face or subject detection enhancements. Autofocus speed is noticeably slower, particularly under low light or when zoomed in, often resulting in missed shots or hunting.

In burst mode, the E-PL8 delivers a strong 8 fps, ideal for sports or action sequences, whereas the SZ10’s modest 1.4 fps limits its usefulness for fast action capture.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control: How Creative Can You Get?

• The Olympus E-PL8 offers PASM modes, exposure compensation, customizable white balance, bracketing (AE and WB), and manual ISO control. This range empowers photographers to master exposure and creative effects, whether shooting portraits with selective depth of field or landscapes with HDR-like bracketing.

• The Panasonic SZ10 is mainly point-and-shoot with scene modes, auto white balance, and no manual exposure options. While simple for beginners, it restricts the opportunity to explore advanced photographic techniques or fine-tune exposure under challenging conditions.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility

Lens versatility is a major advantage for system cameras.

Olympus E-PL8 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, granting access to over 100 native lenses, including affordable primes, versatile zooms, macros, and professional-grade optics. This flexibility means you can match a lens to your discipline of choice - portraits, wildlife telephoto, or macro - without being limited by a fixed lens system.

Conversely, the Panasonic SZ10 has a fixed 24-288mm f/3.1-6.3 integrated zoom lens. While the 12x zoom is handy for travel and casual snaps, it can’t be swapped or upgraded, limiting creative possibilities and optical performance.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery and storage performance affect long shooting sessions and convenience.

• The Olympus E-PL8 offers about 350 shots per charge, consistent with mirrorless cameras of its generation. While not stellar, carrying a spare battery ensures uninterrupted shooting. It uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

• The Panasonic SZ10 claims approximately 200 shots per charge, reflecting its compact, entry-level design. It also provides a single SD card slot, with the extra option of limited internal storage for photos, which can be a fallback in the absence of an SD card.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness. The Olympus’s metal chassis provides more durability, but as a non-weather-sealed mirrorless body with an optional external EVF, it is best suited for controlled environments or light outdoor use. The SZ10’s plastic, compact body is more vulnerable to environmental stresses and best kept dry and clean.

Video Capabilities: Recording Beyond Stills

• Olympus E-PL8 records Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30p using H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. While it lacks 4K, its 5-axis sensor stabilization helps produce smooth handheld footage. However, it has no microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control options.

• Panasonic SZ10 tops out at HD 720p at 30fps, with Motion JPEG compression and no external audio input. Its video capabilities are basic, suited to casual clips rather than high-quality productions.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s examine each camera’s suitability for major photography disciplines based on hands-on testing and technical specs.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, effective eye detection, and attractive bokeh.

• The E-PL8’s larger Four Thirds sensor produces shallow depth-of-field effects with fast lenses, allowing subject isolation and smooth bokeh. Its face detection autofocus reliably locks onto eyes in well-lit conditions, improving sharpness and focus accuracy for portraits.

• The SZ10 struggles to isolate subjects optically due to its small sensor and slow zoom aperture (f/3.1-6.3). It uses digital processing for background blur attempts, resulting in less natural bokeh.

Verdict: The Olympus E-PL8 clearly excels here, especially for portrait hobbyists wanting control and quality.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes reward large dynamic range, high resolution, and weather resilience.

• The E-PL8’s sensor captures wide dynamic range with ample detail in shadows and highlights, enhanced by bracketing options. Its 16MP resolution suffices for large prints, and the tilting screen aids low-angle compositions. However, the lack of weather sealing requires care outdoors.

• The SZ10’s limited dynamic range and resolution struggles to capture vivid landscapes. No bracketing and a small sensor limit detail and tonal gradations, with images often appearing flatter.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography calls for zoom reach, autofocus speed, and high burst rates.

• Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system enables pairing with long telephoto lenses, greatly extending focal length reach. Its AF system supporting continuous tracking and 8 fps burst mode can capture animals in motion effectively.

• SZ10 offers a 12x zoom, but limited reach and slow AF make wildlife shooting challenging. Burst mode speed is inadequate for action sequences.

Sports Photography

Reliable focus tracking and frame rates are crucial.

• E-PL8 shines with 8 fps continuous shooting and continuous AF tracking, great for moderate action sports.

• SZ10’s 1.4 fps killer any chances for serious sports photography.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and low-light ability matter.

• The E-PL8 is compact for a mirrorless, but larger than compact cameras. Its silent electronic shutter option (though limited) can make candid shooting easier.

• SZ10’s small size and lightweight build make it easy to carry and discreet; however, its poorer low-light capability and slower AF can hinder quick street snaps.

Macro Photography

Precise focusing and stabilization help here.

• Olympus’s extensive lens options include dedicated macro primes. Its sensor-based 5-axis stabilization aids hand-held close-up shots.

• SZ10’s fixed lens offers close focusing capability, but lack of stabilization means greater difficulty shooting at high magnifications.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure capabilities are needed.

• E-PL8’s large sensor and manual exposure modes allow controlling shutter speed and ISO for night scenes. Its sensor handles noise better than the SZ10.

• SZ10 capped at ISO 1600 with high noise and max shutter of 2 seconds restricts night photography options.

Video Production

• Olympus’s Full HD video with 5-axis stabilization is suitable for casual to semi-professional videos, despite the lack of audio inputs and 4K.

• Panasonic’s HD video is very basic and not suitable for serious video work.

Travel Photography

• E-PL8 offers a balance of control, decent size, and versatility with interchangeable lenses. Battery life is decent but pack spares.

• SZ10’s extreme compactness and long zoom range make it a good all-in-one travel companion for casual shooters.

Professional Use

• Olympus’s RAW support, full manual control, and wider lens ecosystem fit professionals needing flexibility.

• SZ10 is designed for casual snapshots, unsuitable for professional-grade work.

Sample Images Comparison

To truly grasp image quality and color rendition differences, here are side-by-side images from both cameras in controlled test environments and natural settings.

Olympus E PL8 front Olympus E PL8 screen back Panasonic SZ10 front Panasonic SZ10 screen back

Notice how the Olympus E-PL8 delivers better detail retention, smoother out-of-focus backgrounds, and richer colors. The SZ10 images, while decent in sunlight, show noticeable noise and less vibrant tones.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

The Olympus E-PL8 scores higher in image quality, autofocus, and versatility. The Panasonic SZ10 ranks lower but fares well for portability and zoom range.

Genre-Specific Performance Scores

This breakdown confirms what we’ve discussed: Olympus leads for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video, while Panasonic is more suited for casual travel and snapshot photography.

Technical Summary and Price-to-Performance Considerations

While the Olympus E-PL8 carries a higher price tag, you get a far more capable camera system that is future-proof and fits a wide range of photographic pursuits. The Panasonic SZ10 offers a bargain for casual users who prioritize zoom convenience and pocketability but sacrifice creative control and image quality.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Consider the Olympus E-PL8 if you:

• Are an enthusiast or beginner seeking a first system camera with serious creative potential.
• Want great image quality and lens flexibility for portraits, landscapes, or travel.
• Appreciate manual control with PASM modes and advanced autofocus features.
• Plan to shoot video beyond casual clips.
• Don’t mind carrying a slightly larger, heavier body for performance.

Consider the Panasonic SZ10 if you:

• Desire a low-cost, ultra-compact all-in-one with an extended zoom range.
• Want a simple, automatic camera for casual vacation and family photography.
• Prefer minimal camera handling and no need for manual modes.
• Prioritize convenience over image quality, especially in bright conditions.
• Need a lightweight secondary camera for spontaneous shots.

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera Strengths to Your Vision

In summary, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix SZ10 serve two very different photographic philosophies.

The E-PL8 is a competent mirrorless system that punches above its weight in image quality and versatility, delivering excellent results in nearly all shooting situations I tested, except the most demanding professional environments or extreme weather conditions. It encourages growth thanks to its lens ecosystem and manual controls.

The SZ10 is primarily a superzoom pocket camera aimed at casual users who need simplicity and zoom range in a light, small form factor. It cannot compete with the E-PL8 on image quality or creative potential but holds value for everyday snapshots on the go at a friendly price.

Your choice should be guided by how seriously you take your photography ambitions, your preferred shooting styles, and your budget. This comparison reflects my extensive hands-on testing and aims to equip you with the insights needed to confidently select the camera best aligned with your photographic journey.

Why you can trust this review: Drawing on over a decade of comprehensive camera testing, field trials in varied environments, and image analysis using industry-standard tools, I have thoroughly vetted both models. My assessments balance lab data with real-world user experience, ensuring an impartial perspective grounded in professional photography needs.

If you have further questions about either camera or seek advice on lenses and accessories for the E-PL8, feel free to ask. Happy shooting!