Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 8000

Lets look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 8000, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the 8000 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and 8000 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 2 years later than the 8000 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-PM1 grades versus the 8000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus 8000 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Olympus 8000 has sizing of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus 8000 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the 8000.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and 8000 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at specs. The graphic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and 8000.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have got the exact same resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PM1 offers the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The younger E-PM1 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.