Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax VS20

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax VS20, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was launched 4 years after the VS20 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL8 scores against the VS20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 comes with exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax VS20 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the VS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and VS20 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions just by viewing specs. The image below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and VS20.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 has the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler. The newer E-PL8 will have an advantage in sensor technology.