Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FP2

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FP2, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FP2 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was revealed 3 years after the FP2 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-M1 grades versus the FP2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 has got exterior measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP2 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FP2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-M1 and the FP2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and FP2 is 71 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by going over technical specs. The picture here should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and FP2.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 will have an advantage in sensor tech.