Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic SZ7

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic SZ7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 11 months before the SZ7 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PL2 scores against the SZ7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 features exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ7 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic SZ7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the SZ7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and SZ7 is 85 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and SZ7.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic SZ7 will give you more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.