Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic SZ8

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic SZ8, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SZ8 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the SZ8 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the E-PM1 grades vs the SZ8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has proportions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic SZ8 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 vs the SZ8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and SZ8 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and SZ8.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 with its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic SZ8 will deliver extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.