Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus E-PL1s side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus E-PL8 has external dimensions of 115 x 67 x 38 mm (4.53 x 2.64 x 1.5″) and weighs 357 g (0.79 lb / 12.59 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-PL1s has external dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm (4.53 x 2.83 x 1.65″) and weighs 334 g (0.74 lb / 11.78 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus E-PL8 and the Olympus E-PL1s. Olympus E-PL8 has the same height with Olympus E-PL1s. On the other hand, with a width of 67mm, it is 5 narrower and also with a thickness of 38mm, it is 4mm thinner than Olympus E-PL1s.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus E-PL1s.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Olympus E-PL1s is 23g lighter than the Olympus E-PL8 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Olympus E-PL8 and Olympus E-PL1s have the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount and Four Thirds sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Olympus PEN E-PL8 nor Olympus PEN E-PL1s provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus E-PL8's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Olympus E-PL1s's 2.7" screen.
In addition to the size advantage, Olympus E-PL8 LCD screen also has a
Tilting feature where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels. On the other hand, Olympus E-PL1s has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to E-PL8.