Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic Lumix S1H: The Tale of Two Mirrorless Titans

In the ever-expanding universe of mirrorless cameras, we often encounter a seemingly simple question: which camera suits my style and budget? Today, I’m diving deep into a comparison between two very different entries in the mirrorless realm - the Olympus PEN E-PM2, a 2013 entry-level Micro Four Thirds camera, and the Panasonic Lumix S1H, a professional-grade full-frame powerhouse launched in 2019. These cameras span vastly different eras and specifications, so our aim here is to unpack not only the specs but also the real-world implications for photographers - from hobbyists dabbling in street photography to professionals shooting cinematic video.

Let’s walk through the journey with technical rigor and hands-on experience, fleshing out who gets what from each of these fascinating tools.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: The Feel Factor

Our introduction must start with a feel - because how a camera fits in your hand and how controls align to your fingers tell you volumes about everyday usability.

The Olympus E-PM2 sports a compact rangefinder-style form factor, measuring roughly 110 x 64 x 34 mm and tipping the scales at a featherweight 269g. Its svelte silhouette lends itself beautifully to travel and discreet street shooting - you almost forget it’s there, which in my years testing cameras is a surefire plus for candid moments.

In contrast, the Panasonic S1H commands presence with its robust, SLR-style body at 151 x 114 x 110 mm and weighing in at a solid 1052g. This substantial heft is not just about bulk; it’s part of why professionals value it - it balances perfectly with large lenses, offers very tactile controls, and delivers confidence in demanding environments.

Handling-wise, Olympus’s fixed 3-inch touchscreen, though smaller and lower resolution (460k dots), is quite responsive, supporting touch AF - a luxury on an entry-level body back in 2013. Meanwhile, Panasonic ups the ante with a fully articulated 3.2-inch screen boasting 2330k dots resolution, ideal for video vloggers and photographers working at unconventional angles.

The control layout also reflects their intended users; Olympus opts for simplicity, fewer buttons, and a user-friendly dial system, while the S1H carries illuminated customizable buttons and dials, designed for rapid and precise adjustments during professional shoots.

In summary: if pocketability and stealth are your game, Olympus’s E-PM2 fits right in. If you’re after precision and versatility with physical controls, the Panasonic S1H’s professional grip and button layout are hard to beat.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs Full Frame

Step into the heart of image capture - the sensor. This is where these two cameras fundamentally diverge.

Olympus’s E-PM2 centers on a Four Thirds MOS sensor, sized 17.3 x 13 mm, sporting 16 megapixels. Olympus’s sensor, paired with the TruePic VI processor (though specific processor details for this model are sparse), leads to decent dynamic range and color depth, scoring 72 overall on DxOMark with 22.7-bit color depth and 12.2 EV dynamic range. Its max native ISO is 25600, though practical noise-free shooting often peaks around ISO 1600–3200.

On the other hand, Panasonic’s S1H embraces a larger full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6 x 23.8 mm, delivering 24.2MP resolution. This translates to a significantly larger sensor area (847.28 mm², almost four times the Olympus’s sensor area), meaning improved light gathering, dynamic range, and noise performance. Although DxOMark has not benchmarked it officially, Panasonic’s reputation in full-frame sensors and the S1H’s feature set signal professional-grade imaging with clean ISO performance up to 51200 native and boosted to an impressive 204800 ISO for extreme low-light conditions.

Practically, this means the S1H produces crisper details and smoother gradations in shadows and highlights, making it more suitable for high-end portraits, landscapes, and professional work demanding fine tonal control.

Worth noting: Olympus’s sensor crop factor of 2.1× affects field of view - longer effective focal lengths for telephoto shooting but less breadth in wide-angle. S1H’s full-frame sensor offers more natural perspectives and shallow depth-of-field control.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break a shoot, especially in genres like wildlife or sports.

E-PM2 relies on contrast-detection AF with 35 selectable points supporting face detection, tracking, and touch AF. It can shoot at an 8fps burst - quite fast for an entry-level camera from 2013 but understandably struggles in low-light and fast-moving subject tracking without phase detection.

In contrast, the S1H integrates an advanced 225-point AF system, still primarily contrast detect but enhanced by Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, optimizing speed and predictive tracking. Its burst rate clocks in slightly faster at 9fps and features sophisticated face and eye detection (though animal eye AF is absent in both). Panasonic allows focus bracketing and stacking - features Olympus lacks, helpful for macro and still life work.

The real-world difference is palpable; shooting birds in flight or sprinting athletes, the S1H maintains more precise tracking and faster lock-on focus, especially in challenging lighting. Olympus requires a steadier hand and patience, favoring subjects with predictable movement or static posing.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

For photographers who brave the elements, weather sealing is a critical consideration.

Olympus E-PM2 does not offer weather sealing, dust or moisture resistance, or physical toughness beyond basic handling durability. Its plastic-heavy, lightweight design means cautious treatment indoors or in mild weather.

The Panasonic S1H is explicitly marketed towards professionals, with environmental sealing protecting against dust and splashes - ideal for outdoor shoots in variable conditions. Panasonic’s magnesium alloy body exudes ruggedness and justifies the increased weight.

For landscape and wildlife shooters contemplating shooting in the rain or dusty trails, the S1H holds clear advantage for reliability and peace of mind.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens choices fuel the creative engine, so lens mount and availability are non-negotiable factors.

The Olympus E-PM2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, one of the widest and most mature mirrorless ecosystems. With over 100 native lenses available, including many affordable and compact options from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others, the system is versatile. Smaller lenses complement the camera’s compact form, reinforcing its portability and convenience.

The Panasonic S1H employs the Leica L mount, a newer but rapidly growing ecosystem backed by Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma. Currently, this system offers around 30 prime and zoom lenses - including stellar modern optics - but smaller selection compared to Micro Four Thirds. However, the l-mount alliance ensures fast expansion and high optical quality, providing excellent options for professionals emphasizing image quality over quantity.

Lens sizes and weights are more substantial for full-frame L-mount lenses, aligning with the body’s robust form factor.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing is Believing

Image composition and review depend heavily on interface tools.

The Olympus E-PM2 forgoes a built-in viewfinder, instead offering a fixed rear screen at 3 inches with 460k-dot resolution. It supports touchscreen operation but can be challenging in very bright outdoor light or for extended eye-level shooting.

The Panasonic S1H comes equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) delivering a remarkable 5760k dot resolution, 0.78× magnification, and 100% coverage - substantially better for critical focusing and manual adjustment. Combined with a brighter, fully articulating 3.2-inch touchscreen, this camera supports versatile shooting styles including vlogging and run-and-gun scenarios.

Photographers who value precise framing and rapid, clear feedback will appreciate the S1H interface, while casual users or beginners might find the Olympus’s simpler layout easier initially.

Image and Video Quality: Still and Moving Pictures

Both cameras target different ends of the imaging spectrum.

Still Photography

Olympus E-PM2’s 16MP sensor, image stabilization, and respectable dynamic range allow it to deliver pleasing JPEGs and RAW files with accurate colors. It excels at portraits with decent skin tone rendering, but with smaller sensor size comes naturally less creamy bokeh and lower performance in very low light due to higher noise levels.

The S1H’s 24MP sensor captures excellent details, richer tonality, and broader ISO flexibility. Portraits benefit from better subject separation and more natural skin tones. Landscapes rendered are sharp with excellent dynamic range, perfect for post-processing latitude.

Here’s a side-by-side gallery of images from both cameras to illustrate these points.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back

Video Capabilities

Video is where the S1H truly shines beyond anything the E-PM2 can offer. The Olympus maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 30fps in common codecs like MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG - sufficient for casual home movies but limiting for serious videographers.

The Panasonic S1H is designed for cinema production: full-frame 6K (5952x3988) video recording at 23.98p with H.265 codec and superior audio input/output ports (mic and headphone jacks). It also supports 4K anamorphic video, V-Log recording, and in-body 5-axis image stabilization, all essentials for professionals aiming for cinematic quality.

If video is a significant part of your work or passion, the S1H is built to meet and exceed those expectations.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance is an often underrated factor.

Olympus E-PM2 offers around 360 shots per charge - decent for its class but requires spares for a full day. Panasonic S1H slightly edges this at approximately 400 shots per battery, which is remarkable given its larger sensor, higher resolution EVF, and video capabilities. The S1H also supports dual SD card slots with UHS-II, offering speed and redundancy for professionals dealing with large video files.

Connectivity options differ markedly. The E-PM2 supports Eye-Fi wireless through compatible SD cards, but lacks modern Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The S1H integrates full wireless connectivity along with Bluetooth, facilitating easy transfer and remote control, a boon in studio and event environments.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Examining how these cameras behave across major photography genres gives us a clearer picture of their practical applicability.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-PM2: Good skin tones, modest bokeh due to sensor size. Eye detection AF works but less reliable in low light or fast movement.
• Panasonic S1H: Superb detail and creamy bokeh with full-frame sensor. Eye detection and tracking excel. Clear winner for studio and editorial portraits.

Landscape Photography

• E-PM2's smaller sensor limits resolution and dynamic range but the format supports compact wide lenses.
• S1H’s wide dynamic range, full-frame resolution, and weather sealing make it ideal for landscapes in challenging light and weather.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus’s 8fps burst and 35 contrast-detection AF points are functional but not ideal for fast action.
• Panasonic’s 9fps, 225-point AF system, and better low-light sensitivity give it an edge for wildlife and sports shooting.

Street Photography

• Olympus’s compactness, light weight, and quiet operation favor street and travel shooting.
• S1H’s bulk and weight limit discretion, but superior image quality benefits those who prioritize ultimate image fidelity.

Macro Photography

• No direct focus stacking on Olympus; manual operation only.
• S1H’s focus bracketing and stacking capabilities combined with precision AF make it a much better macro performer.

Night and Astro

• Olympus usable up to ISO 3200 with noticeable noise.
• S1H excels in high ISO with cleaner images and longer exposure features.

Video Production

• Olympus restricted to 1080p 30fps, no mic input, limited codecs.
• S1H provides full cinematic options: 6K RAW, various codecs, 4K anamorphic, and professional audio support.

Travel Photography

• Olympus wins on portability, ease, and lens choice.
• S1H advantage lies in ultimate image quality but at the cost of bulk and complexity.

Value and Pricing: Balancing Cost vs Capability

At the time of writing, Olympus E-PM2 can be found for around $450, a budget-friendly entry point for hobbyists or beginners wanting a mirrorless experience without breaking the bank.

The Panasonic S1H commands a professional price tag north of $3,900, reflecting its advanced feature set, build, and versatility, particularly in video.

Reflective of their categories and pricing tiers, the S1H offers unquestionably superior image quality, video features, build quality, and professional usability. Olympus’s E-PM2 is a capable, fun, and affordable stepping stone for those entering the mirrorless world or prioritizing compactness.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera is Right for You?

There’s no direct “better” here - these cameras serve different photographers with distinctly different goals.

Choose the Olympus E-PM2 if you:

• Are an entry-level user or enthusiast on a budget
• Prioritize compactness, light weight, and portability for travel/street
• Shoot mostly still photos in decent lighting conditions
• Want access to a large Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
• Are less concerned with video beyond casual use

Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1H if you:

• Are a professional or serious enthusiast prioritizing ultimate still and video quality
• Need advanced video recording features, in-body 5-axis stabilization, and pro audio I/O
• Shoot demanding subjects like landscapes, portraits, sports, or wildlife in challenging conditions
• Require weather sealing and build robustness
• Need high-resolution EVF, large buffer, dual card slots, and precise AF capabilities

In conclusion, while these two cameras might sit poles apart in price and features, each excels where it intends to. The Olympus E-PM2 remains a valiant and charming entry point into mirrorless photography, especially for newcomers or discreet photographers. The Panasonic S1H, conversely, is a multi-talented beast for creators seeking uncompromising image fidelity and cinematic video options in a resilient package.

For enthusiasts and professionals alike, understanding these nuanced differences - how size, sensor, autofocus, and video performance interplay with your shooting style - will ensure your next camera is not just a purchase, but a trusted partner in your photographic journey.