Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic GH1

The following is a comprehensive review of the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic GH1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is fairly close and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL2 was brought out 20 months after the GH1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PL2 grades against the GH1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has outer dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic GH1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 against the GH1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and GH1 is 85 and 81 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching specs. The image underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and GH1.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of images however you will want to factor the release date of the cameras into account. The more recent E-PL2 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.