Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic SZ8, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is pretty close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was announced 4 years later than the SZ8 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL9 scores versus the SZ8 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got physical dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic SZ8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 and the SZ8.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and SZ8 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and SZ8.

Clearly, both of the cameras have the same MP albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL9 provides an edge in sensor innovation.