Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic ZS15

Below, we are comparing the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic ZS15, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was announced 3 years before the ZS15 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-P2 matches up vs the ZS15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic ZS15 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-P2 against the ZS15.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and ZS15 is 86 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The photograph below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and ZS15.

All in all, each of the cameras posses the exact same resolution but different sensor measurements. The E-P2 includes the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF easier. The older E-P2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.