Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS200

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS200, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the ZS200 (20MP) is very close but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS200 (1") come with different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was announced 5 years earlier than the ZS200 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PM2 grades versus the ZS200 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS200 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS200 has proportions of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS200 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 vs the ZS200.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and ZS200 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by viewing specifications. The image underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and ZS200.

To sum up, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS200 will result in extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PM2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.