Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic ZS45

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic ZS45, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was launched 21 months later than the ZS45 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-PL8 matches up against the ZS45 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 has got outside measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic ZS45 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL8 against the ZS45.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and ZS45 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and ZS45.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL8 uses the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The more modern E-PL8 will have a benefit in sensor tech.