Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic FH2

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FH2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the FH2 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and FH2 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was brought out 21 months later than the FH2 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL5 scores versus the FH2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Panasonic FH2 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 provides external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic FH2 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic FH2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the FH2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and FH2 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and FH2.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will provide extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer E-PL5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.