Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A7R IV

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A7R IV, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and A7R IV (61MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and A7R IV (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was unveiled 3 years before the A7R IV and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A7R IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL8 scores against the A7R IV in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Sony Alpha A7R IV. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Sony A7R IV Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL8 has got physical dimensions 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 Sony A7R IV has dimensions of 129mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.1") along with a weight of 665 grams (1.47 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A7R IV in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL8 versus the A7R IV.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and A7R IV is 86 and 62 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and A7R IV.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A7R IV will give you extra detail having an extra 45MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older E-PL8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.