Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FH20

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic FH20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FH20 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FH20 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was manufactured 14 months after the FH20 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL2 scores against the FH20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic FH20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH20 has sizing of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic FH20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 vs the FH20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and FH20 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The image below will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and FH20.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH20 will render extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.