Olympus E-M5 II vs Ricoh CX2

Below is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-M5 II and Ricoh CX2, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-M5 II (16MP) and CX2 (9MP) and the E-M5 II (Four Thirds) and CX2 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-M5 II was launched 5 years later than the CX2 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh CX2 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-M5 II grades against the CX2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 II & Ricoh CX2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 II Gallery & Ricoh CX2 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M5 II provides external dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 469 grams (1.03 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX2 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M5 II and Ricoh CX2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M5 II versus the CX2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 II and CX2 is 80 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 II and CX2.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-M5 II due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M5 II will show more detail utilizing its extra 7MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern E-M5 II will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.