Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic FP2: An Expert, Hands-On Comparison for Photographers and Creators

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step on your photography journey. Whether you're a passionate enthusiast or a seasoned professional, understanding how a camera performs across different disciplines and creative demands is key to making a sound investment. Today, we dive deeply into a comparative review between two distinct cameras: the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, an advanced mirrorless system from 2015, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, an ultracompact point-and-shoot from 2010.

While these cameras span different categories and technology generations, each offers unique benefits that can appeal to certain users. Our goal here is to demystify the specs and real-world capabilities of both, drawn from extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, so you can confidently decide which suits your style, shooting needs, and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before diving into image quality and feature sets, the way a camera feels in your hands strongly influences creativity and shooting enjoyment. Let’s begin by comparing the Olympus E-M5 II, designed with serious photographers in mind, against the pocket-friendly Panasonic FP2.

Noticeable size and handling difference: Olympus offers a substantial grip with ergonomic control layout suitable for extended shooting, while Panasonic's pocketable design favors convenience and portability.

What Does This Mean for You?

The Olympus E-M5 II caters to photographers who value a hands-on interface, weather durability, and a comfortable grip, critical when shooting landscapes, portraits, or fast-moving subjects. Its articulated touchscreen and vibrant electronic viewfinder expand composition options - even in bright conditions.

In contrast, the Panasonic FP2 thrives in ultra-compact form factor, favoring casual users, travelers, or street photographers prioritizing discretion and portability over advanced handling. The lack of a viewfinder and limited controls, however, make precise manual adjustments and creative framing less straightforward.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing Power: The Heart of Your Images

Image quality hinges primarily on the sensor technology and image processor, affecting everything from dynamic range and resolution to noise performance. Let’s break down how both stack up in these critical areas.

The E-M5 II’s Four Thirds sensor size significantly outperforms the small 1/2.3” sensor in the FP2 in terms of light gathering and dynamic range.

Practical Impact: Real-World Image Performance

In our hands-on testing across varied scenarios:

• The Olympus E-M5 II delivers clean, detailed images with impressive dynamic range thanks to its larger, backside-illuminated MOS sensor. Color depth (23 stops per DxOMark) allows for excellent skin tone rendition and fine highlight-to-shadow transitions - critical for portraits and landscapes alike.

• The Panasonic FP2’s small CCD sensor, typical for its class and era, struggles in low light with noticeable noise at ISO above 400. Its limited dynamic range restricts post-processing flexibility. However, in bright daylight, it provides reasonable image quality for snapshots and travel memories.

• Olympus’s faster shutter speeds and electronic shutter options also enable creative use of motion freezing and silent shooting, advantages not matched by the FP2.

Autofocus Examination: Precision and Speed When It Matters

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system often makes or breaks your shooting experience, notably in action, wildlife, and portraiture.

In Practice:

• The E-M5 II's implementation of 81 focus points combined with face detection adds confidence for portraits, ensuring precise focus on the eyes, especially valuable for shallow depth-of-field work. Continuous AF and tracking modes handle wildlife and sports at moderate action speeds with reliable subject lock.

• The FP2’s simpler 9-point AF and absence of face detection limits accuracy and speed, suitable primarily for casual snapshots but struggle with moving subjects or macro close-ups.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Field?

How well a camera holds up under real shooting conditions is vital, especially outdoors. The Olympus model is weather sealed, providing splash and dust resistance, while the Panasonic is a closed compact with no special environmental protection.

This gives the E-M5 II an edge for:

• Landscape photographers shooting in rain or harsh conditions.
• Travel photographers who may encounter unpredictable weather.
• Wildlife and sports shooters who spend long hours outdoors.

Handling Controls and User Interface

Overlaying the user experience are the control layout, viewfinder quality, and screen usability.

Olympus E-M5 II boasts a rich array of dedicated dials and buttons with customizable assignments, great for tactile control, while FP2 presents a minimalist top deck suitable for point-and-shoot simplicity.

The E-M5 II’s flexible articulated touchscreen aids in composing shots from tricky angles and interacting with focus and menus promptly. The substantial electronic viewfinder makes bright sunlight shooting feasible without squinting. Meanwhile, the FP2’s fixed, low-resolution rear LCD limits compositional flexibility, and lack of viewfinder hinders precise framing under bright sunlight.

Lens Options and System Versatility

The Olympus E-M5 II uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with access to a robust and mature lens ecosystem.

• Over 107 lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers are available.
• This versatility empowers photographers to tailor their kit precisely - from ultra-wide landscapes to telephoto sports or macro close-ups.

Conversely, the Panasonic FP2’s fixed 35-140 mm (equiv.) lens with modest aperture range (f/3.5–5.9) is a one-and-done solution targeting casual shooters needing convenience over options.

If your ambition includes exploring vast photographic genres and lens adaptability, the Olympus system provides a far-reaching path forward.

Burst Shooting, Stabilization, and Video Capabilities

The E-M5 II provides solid video capabilities for enthusiast vloggers or hybrid shooters with built-in 5-axis image stabilization, resulting in smooth handheld footage. Additionally, its faster burst speed helps freeze fast action.

Meanwhile, the FP2 falls short on modern video standards, offering only 720p with no external mic support, limiting professional audio input or high-resolution capture.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Olympus’s Wi-Fi facilitates remote shooting and easy image transfer, valuable for on-the-go photographers and social media users. The FP2’s lack of connectivity limits workflow flexibility.

Genre-Wide Practical Use Cases: Which Camera Fits Your Focus?

Let’s examine their strengths and limitations across common photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-M5 II
  • Larger sensor produces cleaner skin tones, greater detail.
  • Eye and face detection streamline focus on subjects.
  • Fast lens compatibility and shallow depth control to achieve creamy bokeh.
• Panasonic FP2
  • Limited sensor size and fixed zoom lens make artistic portraiture challenging.
  • No face or eye AF, leading to less precise focus.

Landscape Photography

• E-M5 II
  • Superior dynamic range captures intricate details in highlights and shadows.
  • Weather sealing guards equipment during outdoor shoots.
  • Articulated LCD helps compose from low or awkward angles.
• FP2
  • Compact size suits travel but sensor limitations reduce image quality.
  • No weather sealing means cautious use in adverse conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• E-M5 II
  • Reliable continuous AF with tracking for moderately fast subjects.
  • High burst rate aids capturing decisive moments.
• FP2
  • Slow AF and burst modes make it a poor choice for action.

Sports Photography

• E-M5 II
  • 10 fps and decent AF tracking suitable for amateur sports.
• FP2
  • Limited burst speed and AF result in missed moments.

Street Photography

• E-M5 II
  • Bigger size less discreet but offers more control.
• FP2
  • Silent operation and pocketability perfect for candid shots.

Macro Photography

• E-M5 II
  • Manual focus assist and lens selection enable close-up refinement.
• FP2
  • Limited focus precision and fixed lens constrain macro potential.

Night and Astrophotography

• E-M5 II
  • Good noise control at high ISO extends creative options.
  • Longer exposures enabled with stable tripod setup.
• FP2
  • Noise and limited exposure settings inhibit high-quality night photography.

Video

• E-M5 II
  • Full HD, microphone input, and IBIS make better handheld video.
• FP2
  • Basic HD video, no external audio support.

Travel Photography

• E-M5 II
  • Versatile but heavier and bulkier.
• FP2
  • Ultra-light and pocketable but with trade-offs in quality and features.

Professional Use

• E-M5 II
  • RAW shooting, customizable buttons, tethering potential.
• FP2
  • Limited manual control and RAW unsupported.

Sample Images and Real-World Comparisons

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back

Quantitative Scoring: How They Stack Up

DxOMark offers objective data points for sensors - Olympus leads decisively here.

Furthermore, considering genre-specific performance metrics:

Price and Value: What Will You Spend?

• Olympus E-M5 II: Approximately $699 (body only), representing excellent value for advanced users seeking a compact mirrorless system with professional-grade features.
• Panasonic FP2: Around $80, offering a budget-friendly travel snapshot solution.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

When to Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

• You’re invested in photography and want a highly capable system camera.
• Image quality, low-light performance, and lens options are paramount.
• You need weather-sealing and versatile video/photo hybrid use.
• You prefer tactile controls and an interface designed for creativity and speed.
• You want to explore multiple photographic genres seriously.

When to Choose the Panasonic Lumix FP2

• Your priority is absolute portability for casual shooting or travel.
• You're looking for a simple point-and-shoot for snapshots and basic videos.
• Budget constraints limit investment; you want a no-fuss camera.
• You prefer minimal controls and do not need RAW or advanced autofocus.

Getting the Most Out of Your Choice

Regardless of your pick, maximize your camera’s potential with:

• Olympus E-M5 II: Explore prime lenses like the 45mm f/1.8 for portraits; experiment with focus bracketing; leverage Wi-Fi for remote shooting; invest in fast SD cards and extra batteries for longer shooting sessions.

• Panasonic FP2: Carry spare batteries; shoot in bright, even light for best image quality; use the optical zoom judiciously to keep images sharp; utilize the built-in flash thoughtfully for fill lighting.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Panasonic Lumix FP2 find their niche in the camera landscape. The Olympus sets the bar for an advanced mirrorless tool blending excellent image quality with system versatility - fitting for enthusiasts and professionals stepping into mirrorless photography. The Panasonic FP2 answers a different call, excelling as a straightforward, pocket-sized companion for casual shooters valuing convenience and affordability.

Armed with this detailed comparison, informed by thousands of hours testing and real-world usage, you can select the camera that truly aligns with your creative ambitions and shooting style. Remember: the best camera is the one you feel inspired to use.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out sample images from both cameras at your local camera store or test the Olympus E-M5 II’s handling firsthand if you can. Whichever you choose, happy shooting!