Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus SZ-10

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus SZ-10, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the SZ-10 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-10 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-P2 was revealed 9 months before the SZ-10 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-P2 matches up versus the SZ-10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Olympus SZ-10. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-10 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 has external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-10 has sizing of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus SZ-10 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-P2 compared to the SZ-10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and SZ-10 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking specifications. The photograph underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P2 and SZ-10.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus SZ-10 will give you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.