Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A580

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony A580, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is very comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and A580 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL8 was manufactured 5 years later than the A580 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL8 scores vs the A580 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 offers outside measurements 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 Sony A580 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony A580 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 against the A580.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and A580 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The graphic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and A580.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 has got the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher. The fresher E-PL8 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.