Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus VG-120

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus VG-120, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact and they are both designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the VG-120 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and VG-120 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was manufactured 2 years after the VG-120 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PM2 grades versus the VG-120 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Olympus VG-120. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Olympus VG-120 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 offers external 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) while the Olympus VG-120 has proportions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Olympus VG-120 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PM2 vs the VG-120.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and VG-120 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at technical specs. The pic below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and VG-120.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.