Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Worlds of Photography

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, it’s fascinating to pit two fundamentally different models against each other. On one hand, we have Olympus’s E-PL9 - an entry-level mirrorless camera boasting modern features and a micro four thirds sensor. On the other, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2, a compact, small-sensor point-and-shoot released almost a decade earlier. Though these cameras hail from different eras and design philosophies, comparing them shines a light on how far camera technology has progressed and offers practical insights for photographers weighing classic convenience against contemporary capabilities.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’ll guide you through a comprehensive head-to-head. Our journey will span all major photography disciplines, technical spec breaks, hands-on ergonomics, and real-world performance. Along the way, I’ll share candid observations and nuanced verdicts to empower your next camera buying decision. Let’s get started.

Unboxing the Cameras: Design, Build, and Ergonomics

Our initial impression always starts in the hand. How a camera feels and responds lays the foundation for every shooting experience. The first major dividing line here is size and handling.

Olympus E-PL9: This camera sports the classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, compact yet comfortably substantial at 380g and dimensions of 117x68x39 mm. The design is reminiscent of traditional film cameras, offering tactile dials and a grip that fits well for extended shoots. The tilting touchscreen adds flexibility, particularly for vloggers or low-angle shots. The body language says ‘serious entry-level,’ inviting a photographer to experiment with manual settings without intimidation.

Panasonic DMC-S2: The Lumix S2 is a true pocket camera, tiny at 98x57x21 mm and just 112g. Its slim, bar-like design with a fixed lens suits snap-and-go users prioritizing portability over flexibility. The build feels plastic but well-assembled for its class, reflecting mainstream compact styling from the early 2010s. Handling is straightforward, though there are few physical controls - everything happens through simple menus and buttons that can sometimes feel cramped.

If you prize control and ergonomic comfort for learning photography, the Olympus E-PL9 is the clear winner. If your priority is a pocketable grab-and-shoot companion, the Panasonic’s diminutive frame and straightforward lens may charm you.

Top View and Control Layout: Command at Your Fingertips

Closely linked to ergonomics is control accessibility. I always pay close attention to the layout during testing - fine details like button placement can make or break usability in the field.

Olympus’s E-PL9 shows a refined control scheme built around intuitive dials and buttons. Exposure modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure are accessible at a turn and press. The shutter button sits ergonomically under your forefinger, with exposure compensation dial just behind. Although it lacks a top LCD screen, the touchscreen compensates with quick access to key settings.

Conversely, the Panasonic S2 is barebones. The small body doesn’t lend well to multiple physical controls, so it relies heavily on menus with only basic exposure modes available. There is no manual exposure control, no aperture or shutter priority - this is a fully automatic or scene-driven camera, catering to casual users uninterested in fiddling with settings.

Thus, the E-PL9’s more sophisticated interface supports photographers wanting organic control over their images, whereas the S2’s simplicity targets ease-of-use for beginners or casual shooters.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Quality and Performance

The sensor remains the most crucial component dictating image quality. Here, these two diverge sharply.

Olympus E-PL9: Utilizes a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3x13 mm (~225 mm²). This sensor size provides a great balance, enabling better noise control and dynamic range than smaller sensors, combined with access to a vast ecosystem of native lenses. The TruePic VIII image processor supports ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 (boosted) and fast processing speeds.

Panasonic DMC-S2: Houses a tiny 1/2.3-inch (6.08x4.56 mm ~28 mm²) CCD sensor at 14 megapixels. This is near the minimum sensor size for any serious image capture, typical of compact cameras from its era. Such a sensor struggles with noise in low light and offers limited dynamic range. Maximum ISO tops at 6400, but image degradation is significant beyond ISO 400.

In practice, Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds sensor excels across all lighting conditions, delivering sharp images with rich color gradation and good highlight preservation. The Panasonic’s small sensor often yields softer images with muted tones and notable noise as conditions darken.

For those with high demands on image quality or intent to print or crop images significantly, the E-PL9 is far superior. The Panasonic might satisfy casual snapshots but won’t impress image purists.

Lens and Focusing Systems: Crafting the Image

Lens compatibility and autofocus capabilities directly affect creative control and shooting success. The contrast here is stark.

The Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds mount and enjoys compatibility with over 100 lenses ranging from massive telephotos to ultra-sharp primes and fast apertures suitable for portraits and macro work. Autofocus employs a contrast-detection system with 121 focus points and face detection, including touch-to-focus on the rear screen. While not as snappy as today’s hybrid phase and contrast autofocus systems in top-tier cameras, it is reliable for portraits and general use.

The Panasonic, by contrast, sports a fixed 28-112 mm (equivalent) zoom lens with variable F3.1-6.5 aperture. This limited range covers everyday scenes but is neither particularly bright nor fast focusing. Autofocus is contrast-only and fixed to just 23 points, with no continuous acquisition or tracking. Face detection is basic, and manual focus - even if available - is cumbersome.

The Olympus’s advantage in lens flexibility and more advanced AF means superior control over depth of field, bokeh, and motion capture. Photographers focused on portraiture, wildlife, or macro will appreciate Olympus’s system more.

Viewing and Interface: LCD Screens and EVF

Viewing composition and image review styles can drastically influence shooting proficiency over the long haul.

Olympus features a 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot tilting touchscreen - a welcome boon for composing at creative angles and quick menu navigation. Touch focusing is fluid, responsive, and improves workflow greatly. The camera supports live view but notably lacks a built-in EVF, instead offering an optional electronic viewfinder accessory.

The Panasonic has only a 2.7-inch fixed TFT screen with a mere 230,000 dots - far less detailed and flexible. No touchscreen, no EVF, limiting framing options especially in bright outdoor conditions.

For photographers who experiment with unusual perspectives or use manual focus assist tools, the Olympus edges ahead with superior LCD technology. Panasonic’s screen is functional but uninspiring.

Real World Image Quality Comparison: Sample Gallery

Theory and specs are one thing - seeing side-by-side images reveals practical differences.

Olympus E PL9 front Olympus E PL9 screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

In outdoor daylight, both cameras produce passable JPEGs, with Olympus offering richer colors, sharper details, and noticeably better contrast. At ISO 800 and above, Olympus maintains cleaner shadows and less color noise, while Panasonic’s shots degrade quickly, showing blotchy textures and loss of fine detail.

Portrait shots reveal Olympus’s superior skin tone rendering, more natural bokeh due to the larger sensor and lens design, and reliable eye detection autofocus keeps subjects tack sharp. Panasonic struggles to isolate subjects cleanly, and background blur is minimal.

Low-light indoor photos again show excellent noise management and image stabilization from the Olympus's in-body system, yielding usable snapshots where the Panasonic’s images become mushy and overexposed due to slow shutter speeds.

Landscape images highlight the E-PL9’s wider dynamic range capturing nuanced shadow and highlight detail. Panasonic’s compressed tonal range results in flatter, less vibrant scenes.

Burst Shooting and Autofocus Speed: Catching the Action

For genres such as sports or wildlife, burst shooting speed and autofocus accuracy are paramount.

Olympus offers 8.6 fps continuous shooting, with continuous autofocus tracking facilitated by contrast detection DDS system and 121 focus points. It’s no pro-level speed demon but respectable for an entry-level mirrorless. The buffer sustains rapid bursts, ideal for casual sports or wildlife photography.

Panasonic caps at 2 fps, with only single autofocus acquisition per shot. Continuous AF or tracking are absent. Performance is suitable for slow or posed shooting but frustratingly limited for dynamic subjects.

If your photographic pursuits include active, unpredictable scenes, Olympus’s speed and AF calibration provide a tangible advantage.

Video Capability: Moving Image Performance

Video is an increasingly critical function; many buyers expect hybrid performance.

Olympus delivers 4K UHD (3840x2160p) at 30fps with H.264 compression and linear PCM audio. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks but features 3-axis sensor-based image stabilization, smoothing handheld shots nicely.

Panasonic resorts to 720p HD at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - outdated by modern standards - and lacks audio input/output, limiting creative or professional video uses.

For aspiring videographers, the Olympus offers surprisingly strong specs for its class. Panasonic’s video is basic and best suited for casual memory capture.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Shooting sessions can end abruptly without adequate battery or fail synchronization without proper wireless support.

Olympus E-PL9 delivers a respectable 350 shots per charge, facilitated by USB for charging and featuring built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant pairing with mobile devices, which is priceless in the age of social sharing and remote control apps.

Panasonic’s older design offers only 280 shots per battery and no wireless connectivity of any kind. USB 2.0 provides data transfer but no charging support.

If you rely on extended shooting or seamless content sharing, Olympus offers a clearly superior user experience.

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Build Reliability

Neither camera targets rugged or professional weather-sealed build classes. Both lack formal dust and moisture resistance or shockproof ratings.

The Olympus, given its mirrorless design, is arguably more durable in handling with metal body components compared to Panasonic’s mostly plastic compact shell. But neither is a workhorse built for severe conditions.

Price and Value: What Bang for Your Buck?

Pricing highlights the era and target audience difference plainly. Olympus E-PL9 retails around $599, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 can be found secondhand near $109.

For beginners or casual snappers with tight budgets, the Panasonic provides a no-frills route into digital photography with simple operation and portability. But image quality and control are basic.

The E-PL9, while pricier, delivers extensive benefits and lifespan potential through lens intercompatibility, superior imaging tech, and creative flexibility. It is an investment more suited to growing photographers aiming for consistent quality and versatility.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Olympus dominates with better bokeh, eye tracking, and skin tone fidelity.
• Landscape: Olympus’s sensor dynamic range and resolution advantage shines for scenic detail.
• Wildlife: Olympus’s burst rate and autofocus outmatch Panasonic’s basic fixed lens.
• Sports: Olympus faster frame rates and tracking bring meaningful advantages.
• Street: Panasonic’s compact profile offers discreetness, though Olympus remains portable.
• Macro: Olympus’s lens ecosystem facilitates true macro, Panasonic limited by fixed lens.
• Night/Astro: Olympus performs well at high ISO and stabilized long exposures; Panasonic struggles.
• Video: Olympus supports 4K stabilized video; Panasonic limited to 720p.
• Travel: Panasonic ultra-lightweight but Olympus’s versatility and battery life aid longer trips.
• Professional Work: Olympus supports RAW and workflow integration; Panasonic does not.

Overall Performance Ratings

Olympus E-PL9 scores higher across nearly every key metric due to its modern sensor, controls, and features. Panasonic’s strengths lie primarily in diminutive size, simplicity, and price.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Photography

Here’s the bottom line after comprehensive hands-on testing and comparison:

• Choose the Olympus E-PL9 if your goal is to learn and grow in photography, desiring control over exposure, lens choice, autofocus, and video capabilities. It delivers consistent image quality, versatile handling, and connectivity to support more advanced workflows. Ideal for enthusiasts shooting portraits, landscapes, events, travel, and even modest sports or wildlife work.

• Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 if you want an ultra-compact, affordable, and simple camera for effortless snapshots in good light. It’s suitable for casual use, beginners just starting digital photography, or a lightweight backup. However, be mindful of its limitations: fixed lens, lower image quality, and limited manual controls.

Both cameras reflect their times and design priorities: Olympus’s E-PL9 embodies contemporary mirrorless versatility at accessible price points; Panasonic’s S2 shows early compact digital camera convenience. No matter your choice, understanding these nuances helps you invest wisely and capture the images you envision.

Photography is an evolving craft blending tools and creativity, and picking the right camera is an exercise in balancing priorities. I hope this detailed comparison brings clarity and confidence to your journey.

Happy shooting!