Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS80

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS80 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 7 years prior to the ZS80 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera 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 Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PM1 grades vs the ZS80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 provides physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has proportions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM1 against the ZS80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and ZS80 is 89 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and ZS80.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS80 will produce more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.