Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic GF2

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic GF2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the GF2 (12MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-510 was launched 4 years earlier than the GF2 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-510 grades vs the GF2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 enjoys external dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Panasonic GF2 has measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

See the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic GF2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-510 against the GF2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and GF2 is 69 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-510 and GF2.

As you can tell, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic GF2 to result in extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-510 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.