Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic SZ3

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic SZ3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and SZ3 (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and SZ3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was unveiled 3 years prior to the SZ3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-P2 grades versus the SZ3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ3 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys exterior dimensions 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 Panasonic SZ3 has sizing of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic SZ3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P2 and the SZ3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and SZ3 is 86 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions simply by checking out specs. The image underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and SZ3.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P2 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ3 will provide more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged E-P2 will be behind in sensor technology.