Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FH1

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic FH1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FH1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FH1 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL2 was revealed 14 months after the FH1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the FH1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has outside measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH1 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic FH1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 against the FH1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and FH1 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specifications. The pic underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and FH1.

Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 includes the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL2 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.