• 1.5 inch 261.8mm2
  • 14.3 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Canon G1X advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    1.5 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Canon G1X

  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 64 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.5 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon G1X

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL8
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Brown)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (White)
All E-PL8 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Large-sensor image quality. Sharp lens with useful zoom range. Tilt/swivel LCD. Twin dials. Smaller than competing interchangeable-lens cameras with a similar lens. Lots of photographer-friendly features.

  • Not as small as you might hope. Mediocre burst shooting and autofocus speed. Far too easy to accidentally change exposure compensation. Viewfinder is of surprisingly little use. Battery life could be better.

  • Read our Canon G1X Review

The Competition

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Canon G1X
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon G1X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Olympus E-PL8
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Compared to Sigma dp2 Quattro

Canon G1X
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less shutter lag

Compare Canon G1X vs Sigma dp2 Quattro

Olympus E-PL8
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Sigma dp2 Quattro

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Canon G1X
Panasonic GX85
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Canon G1X vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Canon G1X Mark III

Canon G1X
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon G1X vs Canon G1X Mark III

Olympus E-PL8
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Canon G1X Mark III

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Canon G1X
Olympus E-PL9
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Canon G1X vs Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus E-PL9

Compare Other Cameras?