Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZS8

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZS8, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was introduced 6 years after the ZS8 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL9 scores versus the ZS8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 enjoys 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) while the Panasonic ZS8 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZS8 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 versus the ZS8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and ZS8 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The picture here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and ZS8.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will deliver extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.