Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-12

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-12, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was revealed 17 months later than the SZ-12 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PM2 matches up against the SZ-12 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Olympus SZ-12. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with 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) whilst the Olympus SZ-12 has measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-12 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 and the SZ-12.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and SZ-12 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The visual here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and SZ-12.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will give extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.