Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FZ47

Here is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FZ47, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the FZ47 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and FZ47 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P2 was unveiled 15 months prior to the FZ47 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-P2 grades vs the FZ47 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ47 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 offers outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ47 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FZ47 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-P2 compared to the FZ47.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and FZ47 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P2 and FZ47.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizing. 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 behind in sensor innovation.