Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FS7

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FS7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FS7 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FS7 (1/2.5") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was unveiled 2 years later than the FS7 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the FS7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic FS7 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 offers outer dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Panasonic FS7 has dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FS7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 versus the FS7.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and FS7 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The visual below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and FS7.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL2 will give you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The newer E-PL2 will have a benefit in sensor tech.