Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic GX8

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GX8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and GX8 (20MP) and the 550WP (1/2.3") and GX8 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The 550WP was brought out 7 years before the GX8 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the 550WP matches up vs the GX8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic GX8 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP has external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Panasonic GX8 has dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") having a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 550WP versus Panasonic GX8 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the 550WP compared to the GX8.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 550WP and GX8 is 94 and 74 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The visual here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 550WP and GX8.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 550WP featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GX8 will give you greater detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older 550WP is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.