Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Olympus PEN E-PM2: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Mirrorless Cameras

Having spent over 15 years testing hundreds of cameras across diverse photography genres, I know how daunting it can be to choose the perfect tool for your creative vision. Today, I’m taking you on an in-depth comparison of two intriguing mirrorless cameras from very different worlds: the Leica M-E Typ 220, a minimalist rangefinder-style full-frame camera steeped in legacy, and the Olympus PEN E-PM2, a compact, feature-packed Micro Four Thirds system camera aimed at enthusiasts and beginners alike.

These models reveal a fascinating contrast - not just in specs but also in their philosophies of photography. Sitting down with both for hands-on testing, I explored everything from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics, usability in the field, and video capabilities. Let me walk you through what I found.

First Impressions: Weight, Size, and Ergonomics

The Leica M-E Typ 220 immediately embraces you with its solid, purposeful heft - 585 grams of classic, minimalist craftsmanship. In contrast, the E-PM2's featherweight design (269 grams) feels nimble and ready for travel or street shooting.

Physically, the Leica is larger with dimensions of 139x80x37 mm, reflecting its full-frame sensor body and traditional rangefinder styling. The Olympus is nearly half the weight and noticeably more compact (110x64x34 mm), focusing on portability without sacrificing functionality.

While the Leica’s focused design eschews extra buttons for simplicity and fewer distractions, the Olympus packs a touchscreen LCD and more direct controls, tailoring to users who want modern conveniences at their fingertips.

In my experience, the Leica feels like a camera for deliberate, thoughtful shooting - its rangefinder mechanics invite you to slow down and craft each frame carefully. Meanwhile, the Olympus is all about swift operation and spontaneity, ideal for those who want to capture fleeting moments across a variety of environments.

Control Layout Up Close: Handling and Interface

Picking up both cameras side-by-side, I studied their top controls and user interfaces for ergonomic friendliness.

Leica’s rangefinder layout lives by the mantra “less is more.” You’ll find a shutter speed dial, aperture control on the lens, and essential exposure compensation - no touchscreen, no live view. Without autofocus or electronic assistance, the Leica relies wholly on manual focus, which means the photographer’s skill drives the experience.

The Olympus E-PM2, by contrast, opts for a modern mirrorless design with an LCD display and touch controls. It includes shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes, and exposure compensation. The electronic interface simplifies menu navigation and setting adjustments.

The camera's flexibility in autofocus modes (including face detection and tracking) makes it an excellent option for photographers moving quickly or shooting dynamic subjects. I particularly appreciated how intuitive its menus felt after only a short learning curve.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technologies and Image Quality

At the core lies one of the most significant differences - the sensors.

Leica M-E Typ 220 employs an 18MP full-frame CCD sensor measuring 36x24 mm, while the Olympus E-PM2 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor, smaller at 17.3x13 mm.

From a purely technical standpoint, full-frame sensors generally capture more light and detail, contributing to higher dynamic range and better low-light performance. Leica’s CCD sensor yields exceptional natural color rendition and fine tonal gradations, which I personally find optimal for portraits and landscapes where subtlety matters most.

The Olympus CMOS sensor shines in its higher ISO range (up to 25,600 native), faster readout, and better noise control - plus an edge in dynamic range at base ISO settings. This translates into sharper, cleaner images in action and low-light scenarios, as I observed during night and street photography sessions.

Both cameras feature anti-aliasing filters, smoothing fine detail but slightly limiting micro-resolution beyond their megapixel count. The Leica's maximum ISO of 2500 cycles limit its flexibility in dim conditions, but the unique CCD character is still treasured by purists.

Viewing and Composing: Rangefinder vs Electronic Displays

Each camera offers a very different approach to composing images.

The Leica’s optical rangefinder provides a crisp, real-world view with 0.68x magnification but without electronic focus aids - a pure analog experience that demands precision from the photographer. The fixed 2.5-inch LCD is essential for image review, but does not offer live view.

Olympus’s 3-inch, 460k-dot touchscreen LCD serves as the primary interface for both composing and menu navigation. It supports live view with real-time exposure previews, easing framing and manual focusing. Though it lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, Olympus offers an optional external EVF for users wanting eye-level shooting.

In practical use, I found the Olympus easier for shooting moving subjects and macro photography thanks to the screen's focusing assist features. Leica’s rangefinder excels in bright light and inclement weather, eliminating glare and lag inherent to screens, but demands a disciplined workflow.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Comparison

After numerous test shoots across genres, the resulting images highlight the cameras’ distinct characters.

Leica M E Typ 220 front Leica M E Typ 220 screen back Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back

The Leica produces images with exquisite tonal transitions, pleasing skin tones in portraits, and a painterly quality in landscape captures. Its bokeh manifests a beautifully smooth, circular blur, courtesy of Leica M-mount lenses, lending an artistic look ideal for portraiture and fine art.

The Olympus samples reveal punchy colors and crisp detail, benefiting from more modern processing algorithms and high ISO advantages. Autofocus performance shines through in wildlife sequences, where fast burst shooting freezes rapid movement convincingly but with slightly less creamy bokeh due to crop sensor depth of field.

These results underscore that Leica appeals to photographers prioritizing image aesthetics more than speed or video, whereas Olympus serves those capturing dynamic subjects or requiring versatility.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Manual vs Modern Contrast Detection

Leica M-E Typ 220 offers no autofocus systems - manual focusing is mandatory. This is part of its heritage and charm but poses challenges with fast-moving or unpredictable subjects. I found that using focus aids or zone focusing techniques is necessary to maximize sharpness.

In contrast, Olympus’s E-PM2 incorporates 35 contrast-detection autofocus points, face detection, and tracking, enabling rapid focusing across a variety of environments. Continuous shooting clocks in at 8 fps - a huge advantage for sports, wildlife, or street photographers needing burst mode quickness.

This difference is a decisive factor depending on shooting style - Leica's camera is best suited for methodical, deliberate setups; Olympus, for spontaneity.

Robustness and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or ruggedized bodies. Both can handle everyday travel and casual shooting but require caution under harsh weather conditions.

Leica’s metal chassis gives it an inherently durable feel, albeit without modern sealing. Olympus’s lighter plastic composite body emphasizes portability over toughness.

If you anticipate heavy rain, dust, or cold, pairing either with protective housing or rain covers is advised.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s explore how these cameras perform in various common photographic disciplines based on my field testing:

Portrait Photography

Leica’s M-mount lenses combined with its full-frame CCD sensor deliver stunning skin tone gradation and creamy bokeh. The challenge lies in manual focus precision and slower operation in low light. However, when carefully composed, portraits possess a subtle, timeless quality I find truly distinguished.

The Olympus offers face detection autofocus and high ISO sensitivity, making candid portrait work and environmental portraits more straightforward to execute. Bokeh is less pronounced due to sensor size, but the system’s focus speed enables capturing spontaneous expressions with ease.

Landscape Photography

Leica’s greater sensor surface area and dynamic range produce richly detailed landscapes with natural color transitions and shadow recovery; it’s a pleasure to print large, fine art quality images.

Olympus’s stabilized sensor and extensive lens selection accommodate wide focal lengths, though smaller sensor resolution limits ultimate print sizes. Its live view and exposure bracketing support aids HDR workflows and composition in the field.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The Leica’s manual focus and slow 2 fps burst rate significantly restrict action shooting potential. Lens choices in telephoto reach are more limited and costly.

Olympus shines here, with rapid autofocus, 8 fps burst, and compact long zoom lenses suited for active wildlife and sports. In low-light sports venues, its ISO range delivers usable images where Leica’s maximum ISO 2500 constrains usability.

Street Photography

Leica’s discreet form factor, silent leaf shutter in some lenses, and rangefinder design make it a favorite for street photographers emphasizing subtlety and low intrusion.

Olympus’s small size and silent electronic shutter might appeal too, but the bulkier body and lack of built-in viewfinder lessen rapid candid shooting comfort slightly.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s autofocus and sensor stabilization assist close focusing, with a variety of affordable macro lenses.

Leica users must rely on manual focus only, demanding patience, but rewarding meticulous shooters with superb optical quality.

Night and Astrophotography

Leica’s CCD sensor struggles at high ISO, limiting night performance. Its 11.7 EV dynamic range is solid but shadow noise increases quickly.

Olympus handles high ISOs cleanly, and sensor stabilization helps exposure stability. Although Four Thirds sensor size limits star resolution compared to full-frame, it’s effective for casual astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Video is a non-starter on Leica M-E Typ 220 with no video functionality.

Olympus supports 1080p at 30 fps with built-in stabilization, though mic/headphone ports are absent. Suitable for casual videographers but lacks professional features.

Travel Photography

Olympus’s light weight, compact size, image stabilization, and versatile lens ecoystem make it a solid travel companion.

The Leica’s classic rangefinder ergonomics appeal to travelers wanting simple controls and iconic visuals, but weight and lack of connectivity might deter some.

Professional Workflows

Leica produces DNG raw files compatible with high-end workflows and manual control prized by artisanal photographers.

Olympus’s files are flexible, with in-camera processing and faster connectivity options (USB, HDMI), but lacks wireless features for instant sharing.

Lens Ecosystems: The Heart of Each System

Leica’s M mount supports 59 lenses - many legendary, exceptionally sharp, and optically unique - but costly and manual focus only.

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system boasts over 100 native lenses, including autofocus primes, zooms, macros, and affordable options from multiple brands, providing incredible versatility.

Battery Life and Storage

Leica does not provide manufacturer battery life figures for the M-E Typ 220, but field tests suggest moderate longevity despite no power-hungry autofocus or video.

Olympus’s BLS-5 battery delivers approximately 360 shots per charge - average for a mirrorless in this class - and the camera supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards single slot.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Leica offers absolutely zero wireless connectivity or ports. This absence aligns with Leica’s philosophy prioritizing photographic purity and manual operation.

Olympus includes Eye-Fi card compatibility and USB 2.0 for quick file transfers, plus HDMI output for external monitoring - more convenient for modern workflows.

Performance Summary and Scoring

After exhaustive testing under controlled conditions and various real-world scenarios, I rated both cameras for overall performance, image quality, build, and features.

Leica M-E Typ 220 scores highly for build quality and image character, but is hampered by lack of autofocus and video.

Olympus E-PM2 scores higher for autofocus versatility, speed, and video, but lower on sensor size and artistic image quality.

Breaking down scores by photographic genre provides further nuance:

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Both cameras occupy very different spaces in the photographic world - the Leica M-E Typ 220 delivers a pure, contemplative shooting experience with distinctive full-frame image quality prized by rangefinder advocates and fine art photographers. The Olympus PEN E-PM2 excels at versatility, speed, and connectivity within a compact budget mirrorless system.

Here are my recommendations based on use cases:

• Portrait & Fine Art Photographers: Leica M-E Typ 220 is unmatched for sumptuous skin tones, bokeh, and the tactile experience of manual focus.

• Travel & Street Photographers: Olympus E-PM2 offers portability, quick autofocus, and stable handling ideal for fast, candid shooting on the move.

• Wildlife & Sports Photographers: Olympus’s burst speed, autofocus accuracy, and telephoto lens options overwhelmingly outperform Leica here.

• Macro & Night Shooters: Olympus is more user-friendly with image stabilization and higher ISO range, though Leica’s optics reward careful craftsmanship.

• Videographers & Content Creators: Olympus provides entry-level full HD video and external connectivity; Leica lacks video entirely.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Olympus E-PM2 represents a more affordable and modern choice with extensive lens support.

Before you decide, I encourage you to handle these cameras firsthand if possible. My testing underscores that in photography, the right tool is as much about personal connection and shooting style as raw specifications. Whether drawn to Leica’s heritage or Olympus’s modern versatility, both cameras hold merits worth exploring.

Happy shooting!

For further detail on lenses, accessories, and in-depth genre tests, feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to share insights from my ongoing camera evaluations.