Olympus E-PM2 vs. Olympus VR-320: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to selecting a camera that fits your photography style and budget, understanding the technical capabilities and practical performance is crucial. Today, we take a deep dive into two Olympus models that cater to different user needs - the Olympus PEN E-PM2, an entry-level mirrorless camera, and the Olympus VR-320, a compact superzoom point-and-shoot. Having personally tested thousands of cameras, I’ll guide you through a detailed comparison of these cameras’ strengths and weaknesses, dissecting their features across all major photography disciplines and use cases. This will help you figure out which option provides the best value based on your shooting priorities.

A Quick Look at What We’re Comparing

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before diving into specs and shooting performance, the feel and usability of a camera are paramount, particularly if you spend hours shooting or traveling.

The Olympus PEN E-PM2 boasts a compact, rangefinder-style body designed to balance portability and grip comfort. Its dimensions are 110 x 64 x 34 mm, and at 269 grams, it’s light but substantial enough to stabilize when shooting with larger lenses.

Conversely, the Olympus VR-320 is a pocketable compact measuring 101 x 58 x 29 mm and weighing just 158 grams. It feels like a true travel companion you can stow away easily, but the slim form factor can compromise ergonomics for extended use.

You can see from the image that the E-PM2’s slightly larger body translates to better handling and more manual control access, while the VR-320 favors portability.

Control Layout: How Intuitive Is Each Camera?

For photographers juggling fast-changing scenes, quick access to essential functions can make or break a shot.

The E-PM2 features a thoughtfully designed top plate with dials and buttons that allow manual aperture, shutter priority, and full manual modes. Its touchscreen interface adds intuitive live view control and menu navigation.

The VR-320 relies on a straightforward, button-led approach with no touchscreen, reflecting its point-and-shoot simplicity designed for beginners or casual users who prefer automatic shooting modes.

The E-PM2’s wealth of physical controls suits enthusiasts wanting control over exposure and focus, while the VR-320 keeps things simple for ease of use.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

One critical factor differentiating these cameras lies in their sensor technology and resulting image quality.

The E-PM2’s Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) is significantly larger than the VR-320’s tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor. A larger sensor provides:

• Better light gathering ability, crucial for low-light conditions and higher ISO performance.
• Improved dynamic range, allowing preservation of details in shadows and highlights.
• Greater control over depth of field, facilitating artistic bokeh (background blur) in portraits.

The sensor size difference alone sets the PEN E-PM2 up for superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting.

LCD Screen and User Interface

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD screen, but their usability differs.

The E-PM2’s 3-inch touchscreen at 460k dots enables live view focusing, menu access, and quick setting changes by tapping the display - modern usability targeted at enthusiasts and beginners alike.

The VR-320 uses a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD at 230k dots, sufficient for composition but lacking touch controls, which reflects its simpler interface.

The E-PM2’s touchscreen enhances interactivity and speed for creative control.

Autofocus and Performance Features

How well a camera focuses and shoots in real life is crucial across photography styles.

• Olympus PEN E-PM2 autofocus is contrast-detection based with 35 focus points, face detection, live tracking, and continuous AF, max burst shooting of 8 fps. It offers several AF modes including face detection, selective AF, and tracking.

• Olympus VR-320 autofocus uses contrast detection, but with very limited focus points, no continuous AF, and no manual focus. Burst shooting is unsupported.

This makes the E-PM2 far more capable for action, sports, and wildlife.

Photography Discipline Assessments

Let’s now break down how each camera performs across key photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• E-PM2 shines with its larger sensor and wide Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem. You get pleasing skin tones and shallow depth of field for creamy bokeh - especially with fast prime lenses (e.g., 45mm f/1.8).
• Eye detection autofocus aids in sharp focus on eyes, critical for compelling portraits.
• The VR-320, while convenient, cannot produce significant background blur or fine detail due to sensor size and fixed modest aperture.

Verdict: E-PM2 is head and shoulders above for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• The E-PM2’s dynamic range of 12.2 EV handles high-contrast scenes better, retaining detail in sky and shadows.
• High-resolution files (16 MP) support large prints.
• Weather sealing is absent on both cameras, so field protection depends on handling.
• VR-320’s limited dynamic range and lesser sensor size produce noisier and flatter images.

Verdict: E-PM2 produces higher fidelity landscape shots.

Wildlife Photography

• With 8 fps continuous shooting, reliable tracking autofocus, and telephoto lens compatibility (via MFT mount), E-PM2 offers a decent entry point to wildlife photography.
• VR-320’s 24-300mm lens is attractive for casual telephoto but autofocus speed and burst shooting limitations hinder capturing fast action.

Verdict: E-PM2 is preferable for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• The E-PM2’s continuous burst and AF tracking make it a modestly capable sports camera in daylight.
• Limited native ISO sensitivity and buffer may constrain performance in extremely low light.
• VR-320’s autofocus tracking and shooting speed are insufficient for sports.

Verdict: E-PM2 is better suited here.

Street Photography

• VR-320’s pocket-sized, lightweight design helps with spontaneity and discretion.
• E-PM2 is compact but slightly bulkier.
• Both cameras have quiet operation, but E-PM2’s lens swapping offers creative flexibility.

Verdict: VR-320 excels in portability; E-PM2 offers more creative tools.

Macro Photography

• VR-320’s ability to focus as close as 1 cm makes it a convenient option for casual macro snaps.
• E-PM2 coupled with specialized macro lenses delivers higher quality and precise focusing.

Verdict: For casual macro, VR-320 is fine; for serious macro, E-PM2 is superior.

Night and Astro Photography

• Larger sensor, higher ISO, and better noise control of E-PM2 allow usable images in low-light and night sky conditions.
• VR-320 maximum ISO 1600 and smaller sensor limit such shooting.
• Neither model features built-in intervalometers for astro time-lapse.

Verdict: E-PM2 is a more capable night shooter.

Video Capabilities

• The E-PM2 supports full HD video with superior codec options, offering higher quality.
• VR-320 video is limited to 720p and lower bitrate.

Verdict: E-PM2 is better suited for video work.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras are light and easy to carry.
• VR-320 offers superzoom (24-300mm equiv.) without changing lenses.
• E-PM2’s lens ecosystem provides versatility but at the cost of more gear to carry.
• Battery life favors the E-PM2 slightly.

Verdict: VR-320 wins for travel convenience; E-PM2 for quality and flexibility.

Professional Work

• E-PM2 supports RAW capture and manual exposure controls, essential for professional workflows.
• VR-320 only outputs JPEGs with limited exposure flexibility.
• Neither has weather sealing or rugged durability.

Verdict: E-PM2 can support entry-level professional demands; VR-320 is strictly consumer-grade.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras lack environmental sealing - no dust or water resistance. Build materials are mostly plastic, common for their market segments.

• The E-PM2 has a solid, refined feel suitable for prolonged use.
• The VR-320’s compactness sacrifices ergonomics.

Lens and Accessory Ecosystem

The extensive MFT ecosystem for the E-PM2 means you can customize to your workflow with primes, zooms, macro, and specialized lenses. Flash and accessories greatly expand your creative options.

The VR-320’s fixed zoom lens makes it a straightforward point-and-shoot with no expandability.

Connectivity and Storage

• E-PM2 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer, HDMI output, and USB 2.0.
• VR-320 offers USB 2.0 but lacks wireless or HDMI.
• Both use SD card storage.

Battery and Power Management

• E-PM2 uses a rechargeable BLS-5 battery with around 360 shots per charge.
• VR-320 uses a LI-42B but lacks official battery life specs.
• E-PM2’s swappable battery design better supports extended shoots.

Summarizing Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

The PEN E-PM2 scores well above the VR-320 in image quality, ISO performance, and AF, making it a more versatile and capable tool for serious photography.

Seeing Is Believing: Sample Images Comparison

Below you see side-by-side sample photos taken in similar conditions with both cameras. Notice the richer colors, better detail retention, and cleaner noise performance from the E-PM2.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Camera Is Right For You?

Choose Olympus PEN E-PM2 if you want:

• Superior image quality with a larger sensor.
• Interchangeable lenses for creative freedom.
• Manual controls and advanced autofocus features.
• Full HD video recording capabilities.
• A camera that grows with your skills - from beginner to advanced enthusiast and beyond.
• Shooting versatility across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and night photography.

Choose Olympus VR-320 if you want:

• A simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot with a powerful 12.5x superzoom.
• The ultimate convenience of an all-in-one compact camera.
• Lightweight, pocketable design for casual everyday shooting or travel.
• Basic movie capture in HD.

Hands-On Advice: Test, Explore, and Accessorize

Whichever camera catches your eye, I recommend visiting a camera store to hold and try them in person. Pay attention to how they feel in your hand, how easily you can access controls, and if their menu systems suit your style.

If you opt for the E-PM2, consider starting with a prime lens like the 17mm f/1.8 or the 45mm f/1.8 to experience the sensor’s full potential in portraits and low light. For the VR-320, keep it handy for vacation snapshots or quick photos with zoom.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between the Olympus PEN E-PM2 and the Olympus VR-320 boils down to creative ambition versus casual convenience. The E-PM2 remains a standout entry-level mirrorless camera with robust feature sets that don’t feel dated even years after launch. Meanwhile, the VR-320 is an affordable, compact superzoom aimed at casual shooters who prioritize simplicity and reach over image quality and creative controls.

By understanding your shooting needs, workflow, and preferred genres outlined above, you can confidently select the camera that will support your creative journey. Both bring Olympus’s reliable build and imaging heritage, but the technical and practical differences are significant.

Explore the possibilities, get your hands on these cameras, and start capturing your vision!

If you enjoyed this detailed comparison, check out our other reviews to find the best gear for your photography journey.