Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FZ1000 II (20MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ1000 II (1") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM2 was revealed 6 years prior to the FZ1000 II and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-PM2 grades vs the FZ1000 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 II Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys 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 Panasonic FZ1000 II has specifications of 136mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") having a weight of 808 grams (1.78 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 versus the FZ1000 II.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FZ1000 II is 89 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The graphic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and FZ1000 II.

As you can tell, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 having a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic FZ1000 II will offer greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older E-PM2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.