Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FX580

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FX580, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is very close but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was released 15 months after the FX580 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-P2 scores versus the FX580 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 has got outer dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX580 has proportions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FX580 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-P2 vs the FX580.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and FX580 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The pic here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and FX580.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor sizes. The E-P2 includes the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF simpler. The more modern E-P2 should have an advantage in sensor tech.