Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2
68 Imaging
45 Features
45 Overall
45
![Olympus E-520 front Olympus E-520 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-E-520/Olympus-E-520-front.jpg)
![Olympus PEN E-PM2 front Olympus PEN E-PM2 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-PEN-E-PM2/Olympus-E-PM2-front.jpg)
89 Imaging
52 Features
63 Overall
56
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 552g - 136 x 92 x 68mm
- Launched August 2008
- Replaced the Olympus E-510
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 269g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Introduced May 2013
- Old Model is Olympus E-PM1
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Overview
Following is a complete review of the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus E-PM2, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and E-PM2 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
The E-520 was unveiled 5 years prior to the E-PM2 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-520 scores vs the E-PM2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Olympus PEN E-PM2. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Olympus E-PM2 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-520 over the Olympus E-PM2
E-520 | E-PM2 |
---|
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM2 over the Olympus E-520
E-PM2 | E-520 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | May 2013 | ![]() | August 2008 | More modern by 57 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Olympus E-520 and Olympus E-PM2
E-520 | E-PM2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 provides exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Olympus E-PM2 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Examine the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus E-PM2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-520 vs the E-PM2.
![Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 size comparison Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-520-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM2-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-520 and E-PM2 is 68 and 89 respectively.
![Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-520-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM2-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at specifications. The image below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-520 and E-PM2.
Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus E-PM2 to give you more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.
![Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 sensor size comparison Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-E-520-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM2-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-520-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PM2-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-520 vs Olympus E-PM2 Specifications
Olympus E-520 | Olympus PEN E-PM2 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Olympus | Olympus |
Model type | Olympus E-520 | Olympus PEN E-PM2 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2008-08-20 | 2013-05-21 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 3 | 35 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Amount of lenses | 45 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic (optional) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.46x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 secs | 60 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 4.0 frames per second | 8.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) |
Flash settings | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/180 secs | 1/250 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | None | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | - | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 552 gr (1.22 pounds) | 269 gr (0.59 pounds) |
Dimensions | 136 x 92 x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 55 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.4 | 22.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.4 | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | 548 | 932 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 650 pictures | 360 pictures |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | BLS-5 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $400 | $448 |