Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 13 months before the XZ-2 iHS making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PM1 grades versus the XZ-2 iHS for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and XZ-2 iHS is 89 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specs. The pic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and XZ-2 iHS.

All in all, both the cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 provides the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The more aged E-PM1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.