Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP2

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FP2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FP2 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 23 months later than the FP2 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the FP2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP2 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic FP2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 against the FP2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FP2 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and FP2.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP2 will give greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-PM1 should have an edge in sensor technology.