Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony W830

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony W830, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the W830 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and W830 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL8 was launched 2 years later than the W830 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W830 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL8 matches up against the W830 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W830. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Sony W830 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 provides exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Sony W830 has sizing of 93mm x 52mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 122 grams (0.27 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony W830 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL8 and the W830.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and W830 is 86 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by checking out specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and W830.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony W830 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger E-PL8 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.