Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus TG-310

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus TG-310, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the TG-310 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and TG-310 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was released 2 years after the TG-310 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-310 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the TG-310 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Olympus TG-310. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Olympus TG-310 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 has outer dimensions 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 TG-310 has dimensions of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus TG-310 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 versus the TG-310.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and TG-310 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The image here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and TG-310.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 because of its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PM2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.