Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZR1

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZR1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is very similar but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and ZR1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 19 months after the ZR1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL2 matches up vs the ZR1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZR1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL2 vs the ZR1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and ZR1 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and ZR1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 contains the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The fresher E-PL2 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.