Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic SZ5

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic SZ5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL8 was revealed 4 years after the SZ5 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PL8 grades against the SZ5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 provides outer 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) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has proportions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic SZ5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 against the SZ5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and SZ5 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through specifications. The pic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and SZ5.

Plainly, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL8 will give you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL8 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.