Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic S2

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic S2, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was revealed 22 months after the S2 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-M1 matches up vs the S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 has got physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S2 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 vs the S2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and S2 is 71 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and S2.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus E-M1 will offer greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.