Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic S2

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic S2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is very comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was announced 4 months before the S2 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the E-P3 grades against the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-P3 features external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic S2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P3 against the S2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and S2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The photograph underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and S2.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S2 will show extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively.