Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FX580

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FX580, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 2 years later than the FX580 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the FX580 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 provides external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Panasonic FX580 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FX580 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the FX580.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and FX580 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The photograph here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and FX580.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 has the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh easier. The more modern E-PL2 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.