Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FH5

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FH5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FH5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FH5 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM2 was released 2 years later than the FH5 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-PM2 grades against the FH5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 has physical 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) and the Panasonic FH5 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FH5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the FH5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FH5 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and FH5.

All in all, each of the cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PM2 features the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler. The fresher E-PM2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.