Olympus E-P2 vs Ricoh GR

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P2 versus Ricoh GR, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and GR (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and GR (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The E-P2 was introduced 4 years before the GR and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P2 grades versus the GR in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Ricoh GR. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 provides outside 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) and the Ricoh GR has proportions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P2 versus Ricoh GR in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P2 compared to the GR.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and GR is 86 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and GR.

Clearly, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Ricoh GR will provide more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older E-P2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.