Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-10

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus SZ-10, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SZ-10 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-10 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was introduced 2 years later than the SZ-10 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the SZ-10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Olympus SZ-10. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Olympus SZ-10 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Olympus SZ-10 has proportions of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM2 versus Olympus SZ-10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM2 against the SZ-10.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and SZ-10 is 89 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and SZ-10.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will give extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger E-PM2 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.