Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SH-50

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus SH-50, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SH-50 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SH-50 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was manufactured 5 months after the SH-50 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PM2 scores against the SH-50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Olympus SH-50. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 features physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Olympus SH-50 has proportions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus SH-50 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PM2 and the SH-50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and SH-50 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and SH-50.

As you can see, the two cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 offers the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier.