Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic LX5

Below is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic LX5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is pretty close but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was released 20 months earlier than the LX5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-P2 matches up versus the LX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P2 has physical dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic LX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-P2 and the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and LX5 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and LX5.

As you can see, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-P2 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-P2 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.