Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic GH2

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GH2, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and GH2 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-P1 was introduced 20 months prior to the GH2 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-P1 grades vs the GH2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 features outer dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH2 has sizing of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GH2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P1 versus the GH2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and GH2 is 86 and 70 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The image below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and GH2.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Panasonic GH2 to deliver greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.