Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FH2

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FH2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FH2 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FH2 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was announced 7 months prior to the FH2 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-PL1 scores versus the FH2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic FH2 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic FH2 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FH2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the FH2.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and FH2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FH2.

As you can tell, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FH2 will show extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.