Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS15

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS15, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was launched 16 months prior to the ZS15 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL2 grades against the ZS15 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys 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) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS15 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the ZS15.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and ZS15 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through specifications. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and ZS15.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 offers the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged E-PL2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.