Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic S2

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic S2, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-620 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-620 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-620 was launched 3 years before the S2 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-620 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-620 grades against the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-620 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-620 provides outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") and a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S2 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-620 versus Panasonic S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-620 vs the S2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-620 and S2 is 71 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to see the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The graphic below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-620 and S2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-620 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S2 will render more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The older E-620 will be behind in sensor tech.