Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

Below, we are matching up the Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) is very well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM2 was introduced 5 months after the SZ-16 iHS and they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PM2 scores against the SZ-16 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 has outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has specifications of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM2 and the SZ-16 iHS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and SZ-16 iHS is 89 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at technical specs. The pic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras posses the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PM2 provides the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult.