Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the TG-820 iHS (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-P2 was launched 21 months before the TG-820 iHS making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-P2 matches up versus the TG-820 iHS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus TG-820 iHS. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P2 provides exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus TG-820 iHS has dimensions of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P2 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-P2 vs the TG-820 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and TG-820 iHS is 86 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and TG-820 iHS.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-P2 comes with the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-P2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.