Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax E85

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax E85, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and E85 (12MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was announced 7 years later than the E85 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL8 scores versus the E85 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax Optio E85. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax E85 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 features outer dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax E85 has proportions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax E85 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL8 versus the E85.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and E85 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and E85.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer you more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PL8 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.