Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS100

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic ZS100, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and ZS100 (1") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was announced 9 months later than the ZS100 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the ZS100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 features exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic ZS100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 against the ZS100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and ZS100 is 86 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The photograph here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and ZS100.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will deliver extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.