Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax RZ18

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is very close but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was unveiled 5 years later than the RZ18 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL8 matches up vs the RZ18 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 offers exterior measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Pentax RZ18 has proportions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax RZ18 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL8 and the RZ18.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and RZ18 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL8 and RZ18.

All in all, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact MP but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL8 features the larger sensor which will make getting shallower DOF easier. The newer E-PL8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.