Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS100: A Hands-On Comparison for Photo Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera can be a labyrinth of specs, features, and marketing fluff. Having had the privilege of testing thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I often find that the devil is truly in the details - and how those details play out in real-world shooting scenarios. Today, we’re digging deep into two solid, yet very different, contenders from 2016: the Olympus PEN E-PL8, an entry-level mirrorless offering with Micro Four Thirds flexibility, and the Panasonic Lumix ZS100, a large-sensor travel-friendly compact with a versatile fixed superzoom lens.

Both cameras target enthusiasts who crave portability without sacrificing too much image quality, but they go about it in fundamentally different ways. So, let’s unpack the real story beneath the specs, including sensor performance, autofocus, handling, shooting versatility, and value. You’ll walk away with a clear idea which camera best fits your photographic aspirations and budget.

Body, Ergonomics, and Physical Profile: Size Really Does Matter Sometimes

When picking a camera, how it feels in your hands and stows in your bag can make or break your shooting enjoyment - and, as a long-time hands-on tester, I pay close attention to these aspects.

At first glance, the Olympus E-PL8 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, with a neat, compact shape measuring 115 x 67 x 38 mm and weighing in at 357g (battery and card included). It looks sophisticated for an entry-level model, with a tilting touchscreen at the rear and a physical lens mount designed for countless Micro Four Thirds lenses. This system benefits from modularity - you can swap out lenses depending on your subject, but you carry extra glass.

Contrast this with the Panasonic ZS100, a large-sensor compact with an integrated 25-250mm (35mm equiv.) F2.8-5.9 zoom lens. It weighs slightly less at 312g, with trim dimensions of 111 x 65 x 44 mm - marginally chunkier in depth due to the lens barrel. This fixed-lens design prioritizes grab-and-go convenience, making it a favorite for travel and street shooters who want powerful reach without additional lenses.

Ergonomically, I found the Olympus offers a more defined grip and control layout that feels closer to a "proper" camera, which benefits users who prefer clubs for thumbs rather than tiny buttons. The Panasonic, meanwhile, is compact and pocketable but leans on smaller buttons and a fixed zoom lever, which can feel fiddly during fast shooting or cold weather.

Look at the control top-plates: Olympus sticks to its tried-and-true dials with dedicated mode dial and shutter release placement, suiting photographers accustomed to more direct tactile control. Panasonic’s top is minimalist and functional, but less customizable.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Two Sensors, Two Philosophies

Now for the meat of image quality - the sensor. The Olympus E-PL8 employs a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (sensor area ~225 mm²), while the Panasonic ZS100 packs a 20MP 1-inch MOS sensor with dimensions 13.2 x 8.8 mm (~116 mm²), nearly half the surface area of Olympus’s sensor.

From a traditional standpoint, bigger sensors generally deliver better dynamic range, lower noise at high ISO, and more depth of field control. Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds sensor benefits from established technology and a large lens ecosystem designed to maximize that sensor real estate.

Meanwhile, Panasonic’s 1-inch sensor punches well above its weight, derived from advanced BSI (backside illuminated) architecture found in high-end compacts and bridge cameras. Its photo-site density is quite high, which can impact noise at elevated ISO settings.

In practice, the difference in sensor size translates to nuanced image quality distinctions:

• Dynamic Range: Olympus’s sensor delivers more latitude in highlights and shadows due to larger physical photosites, making it forgiving for landscape and portrait shots requiring subtle tone transitions.
• High ISO Performance: Panasonic’s newer sensor handles noise impressively well in a compact body, but Olympus still maintains an edge above ISO 1600, appealing to low-light shooters.
• Resolution: Panasonic wins on megapixels (20MP vs 16MP), offering more cropping headroom and detail in ideal conditions, although Olympus’s resolution is quite adequate for prints up to A3 or web sharing.

In raw files, both support uncompressed RAW capture, although Olympus uses its TruePic VII image processor to pipeline noise reduction and sharpening, whereas Panasonic’s Venus Engine balances detail and smoothness.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: How You See Your Shot

Both cameras boast 3-inch touch-enabled LCDs, but their articulation and resolution vary.

The Olympus E-PL8 features a tilting touchscreen with 1.04M-dot resolution, offering versatility for high or low-angle compositions - a nice touch for vloggers or macro shooters. Panasonic’s ZS100 has a fixed screen, equally sharp at approximately 1.04M dots, but less flexible ergonomically.

For eye-level shooting, Panasonic comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) featuring 1.16M-dot resolution with 100% coverage - a significant advantage for bright outdoor shooting where LCDs can struggle with glare. Olympus opts for an optional external EVF accessory, meaning you either shoot relying on the LCD or invest further.

If you prefer framing with your eye to the viewfinder, Panasonic's integrated EVF makes a difference in stability and focus precision, especially in dynamic shooting conditions.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Moment

The Olympus E-PL8 features an 81-point contrast-detection AF system, while the Panasonic ZS100 sports a 49-point contrast-detect AF. Neither camera includes phase-detect autofocus, which is commonly found in more modern or higher-end models.

Olympus emphasizes face detection and continuous AF modes, which performed well during testing on static subjects and mild action scenarios. Panasonic’s system is equally nimble and benefits from a slightly faster burst shooting speed (9.9 fps vs 8 fps on Olympus), useful for casual wildlife or street shooting.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF or advanced subject tracking, which professionals will find limiting. For sports or fast wildlife, these cameras might frustrate with occasional hunting or missed focus, but for casual use, autofocus accuracy and speed are quite respectable.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Flexibility

This is where the two cameras’ philosophies diverge sharply.

• Olympus E-PL8 uses the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount, boasting over 100 compatible lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others. From ultra-wide primes and macro lenses to pro-level telephotos and fast portraits glass, you have vast creative freedom.

• Panasonic ZS100 features a fixed 25-250mm zoom lens (35mm equiv.), which is a neat all-in-one solution but limits ultimate image quality and aperture control. Its maximum aperture ranges from F2.8 wide to F5.9 telephoto - adequate for daylight use but less so in low light or creative shallow depth-of-field pursuits.

If you’re the type who enjoys swapping lenses, portraits with creamy bokeh, or macro shooting with precision glass, Olympus is the obvious winner. The Panasonic appeals to travel photographers or enthusiasts who prize compactness and lens versatility without the bulk.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection, which is typical at this price point and size bracket.

The Olympus feels robust with metal accents and well-fitting controls, but given its plastic body shell and lack of sealing, it’s best treated as an indoor/light outdoor companion.

The Panasonic ZS100’s compact all-in-one body has a solid feel but also no environmental protections - keep it away from rain and sand.

If you frequently shoot in harsh environments, you’ll want to look elsewhere or treat these two carefully.

Battery Life and Storage

In real-world shooting, battery life can make or break a day out.

• Olympus E-PL8 scores approximately 350 shots per charge using the LCD, which is typical for mirrorless cameras with sensor-based 5-axis stabilization.
• Panasonic ZS100, as a fixed-lens compact, delivers about 300 shots per charge.

Neither is a marathon runner but should suffice for casual shooting sessions. Both use standard SD cards and have single card slots.

Pro tips: Always carry a spare battery or external charger for longer travels or professional gigs.

Video: Capabilities and Limitations

Video shooters will want to note that while both cameras offer Full HD 1080p capture, the Panasonic ZS100 can record true 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p, which is a standout feature here.

Olympus tops out at 1080p30, which is respectable but leaves 4K enthusiasts wanting more.

Neither camera includes external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

Panasonic also allows 4K Photo mode, capturing 8MP stills at 30 fps from video clips, useful for sports or wildlife action frames.

Olympus includes sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, beneficial for handheld video smoothness, whereas Panasonic relies on optical stabilization within the lens.

For casual video, Panasonic’s edge in resolution and 4K photo is compelling.

Real-World Photography Genres: Strengths and Stepping Stones

Let’s get into how both cameras perform across popular photography styles:

Portraits

Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds sensor and interchangeable lenses give better control over background blur (bokeh) and portrait rendering. Its 81 autofocus points with face detect provide reliable eye autofocus, though not as refined as modern hybrids.

Panasonic’s fixed lens at up to F2.8 can deliver decent subject separation in wide focal lengths, but beyond about 50mm equivalent, its aperture narrows, limiting bokeh artistry.

Winner: Olympus for portrait creativity and ease.

Landscapes

For landscape shooters craving dynamic range, Olympus’s larger sensor and higher native ISO range offer richer tonal gradations - a definite boon during sunrise, sunset, or contrast-rich scenes.

Panasonic’s sharp zoom and 20MP sensor deliver good detail but can struggle with highlight clipping under harsh light.

Weather sealing on both is absent, so pack accordingly.

Winner: Olympus for dynamic range, Panasonic for zoom versatility.

Wildlife

Neither camera has the blazing AF sophistication necessary for fast wildlife, but Panasonic’s 10x zoom is a clear advantage for reach.

Olympus can be paired with supertele lenses but requires investment in glass.

Continuous shooting speeds are similar, but Panasonic’s faster burst and zoom pull ahead for casual wildlife snaps.

Winner: Panasonic for reach and burst speed.

Sports

Neither camera is ideal for serious sports. Olympus’s 8 fps is decent, but autofocus lags behind pro-grade cameras.

Panasonic’s faster 9.9 fps is handy for casual sports shooting, but fixed lens and limited AF tracking reduce handling of unpredictable subjects.

Winner: Panasonic for casual speed.

Street Photography

With its compact size, Panasonic’s ZS100 wins in discreteness and pocketability.

Olympus feels bulkier but still manageable.

Both have quiet shutters, but Olympus’s lack of silent electronic shutter limits stealth. Panasonic’s mechanical shutter top speed is slower at 1/2000s compared to Olympus’s 1/4000s.

Winner: Panasonic for stealth and portability.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s lens system allows dedicated macro lenses with superb close-focus capabilities, sensor-based stabilization aiding handheld sharpness.

Panasonic offers 5cm close focus with decent magnification but is limited by fixed focal length.

Winner: Olympus for specialized capability.

Night and Astro

Olympus’s better high ISO performance and more freedom with fast prime lenses place it ahead for challenging low-light work.

Panasonic’s noisier higher ISO, plus slower variable aperture and no extended exposure modes, limit its astro prowess.

Winner: Olympus for low light versatility.

Video and Vlogging

Panasonic’s 4K video capability and 4K photo mode give it a leg up, though lack of external mics is a downside.

Olympus’s 5-axis IS helps stabilize handheld 1080p footage nicely.

Winner: Panasonic for video versatility, Olympus for stabilization.

Travel Photography

Compactness, battery life, zoom flexibility, and sensor quality are key.

Panasonic’s all-in-one lens and integrated EVF make it a strong travel companion.

Olympus’s lens interchangeability allows more creative options but adds gear and weight.

Winner: Panasonic for travel ease, Olympus for creative control.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits the bill for robust professional workflows demanding reliable AF, rugged build, or high frame-rate RAW burst.

Olympus’s MFT system integrates better with pro glass, while Panasonic’s compactness limits advanced nuts-and-bolts.

Winner: Olympus for pro adaptability, Panasonic for casual/prosumer backup.

Looking at sample images side-by-side, you can see Olympus’s more natural color rendition and smooth tonal gradation. Panasonic provides punchier contrast and more reach, but with slightly harsher high ISO noise.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image sharing but lack Bluetooth and NFC, which is a minor letdown compared to modern competitors.

USB 2.0 ports limit tethered shooting speeds.

No GPS tracking on either.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch pricing (and still roughly in the same ballpark used or new):

• Olympus E-PL8: ~$500 USD body only
• Panasonic ZS100: ~$700 USD fixed lens compact

If you’re a cheapskate (no shame), Olympus offers a gateway into interchangeable lenses and broader creative flexibility. If you want an all-in-one travel companion with a big zoom and 4K video, Panasonic’s price premium is justifiable.

Looking at measured scores and real-world tests, Panasonic's ZS100 scores strongly for image detail and zoom versatility, while Olympus excels overall in image quality and system flexibility.

In Summary: Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy Which

Olympus PEN E-PL8

Pros:

• Interchangeable MFT lens system (100+ lenses)
• Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization
• Tilt touchscreen LCD
• Strong image quality with good dynamic range
• Solid ergonomics and controls
• RAW support with rich post-processing options

Cons:

• No built-in EVF (optional accessory)
• No 4K video
• Moderate burst speed
• No weather sealing
• Older AF system lacking phase detection

Best For:
Beginner to intermediate photographers seeking creative flexibility, who want to build a lens collection over time and enjoy portraits, landscape, and macro photography. Also, those comfortable with a slightly bigger system.

Panasonic Lumix ZS100

Pros:

• Large 1-inch sensor with 20MP resolution
• Integrated 10x zoom lens (25-250mm equiv.)
• Built-in high-res electronic viewfinder
• 4K UHD video with 4K photo mode
• Compact, pocket-friendly form factor
• Fast continuous shooting mode

Cons:

• Fixed lens limits aperture and creative control
• Slower lens at telephoto end (F5.9)
• No external mic or headphone jacks
• No weather sealing
• Shorter battery life compared to bigger system

Best For:
Travelers, street photographers, vloggers, and casual shooters who prioritize portability, zoom reach, and modern video functionality over ultimate image quality or lens swapping.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After extensive hands-on shooting with both cameras, I appreciate the distinct user archetypes they serve. The Olympus E-PL8 is a classic mirrorless let-you-grow system with solid image quality and enjoyable controls - perfect for those willing to invest time and money into lenses. Its 5-axis stabilization is a genuine advantage for handheld shooting across genres.

On the flip side, the Panasonic ZS100 shines as an intelligent all-rounder for photographers who want a pocketable fix-and-forget solution with sharp images, versatile zoom, and 4K video. The integrated EVF adds considerably to usability, especially outdoors.

If your photography is passionate and demands versatility plus future-proofing with lenses, go Olympus. If you want a highly versatile compact with impressive zoom and video tucked into a small body, grab the Panasonic.

In reality, neither camera is perfect, and both show their age compared to modern mirrorless and compact models. Still, for budget-conscious enthusiasts or those stepping into serious photography without breaking the bank, both hold plenty of value.

Thanks for reading my deep dive. I’ve enjoyed putting these two through their paces - and hope you feel armed to make the best choice for your creative journey!

If you have questions about specific shooting styles or need lens advice for the E-PL8, drop a comment or reach out.

Happy shooting!

The End