Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic SZ10

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic SZ10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SZ10 (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SZ10 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was launched 21 months later than the SZ10 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the E-PL8 grades versus the SZ10 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic SZ10 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ10 has measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic SZ10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL8 vs the SZ10.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and SZ10 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The photograph below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and SZ10.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 includes the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF simpler. The newer E-PL8 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.