Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax S1

The following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax S1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL8 was brought out 5 years after the S1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL8 grades vs the S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys outside dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the S1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and S1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The image below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and S1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL8 will give you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.