Leica M-Monochrom vs Olympus E-P2

Following is a detailed review of the Leica M-Monochrom versus Olympus E-P2, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Olympus. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and E-P2 (12MP) and the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and E-P2 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor size.

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The M-Monochrom was released 2 years after the E-P2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the M-Monochrom matches up against the E-P2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M-Monochrom & Olympus PEN E-P2. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Olympus E-P2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Leica M-Monochrom has got outside measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P2 has dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Check out the Leica M-Monochrom versus Olympus E-P2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the M-Monochrom compared to the E-P2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and E-P2 is 78 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the M-Monochrom and E-P2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M-Monochrom because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Leica M-Monochrom will show greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher M-Monochrom provides an advantage in sensor technology.