Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FP5

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FP5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FP5 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was revealed 2 years after the FP5 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-PM2 scores versus the FP5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 provides outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic FP5 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FP5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the FP5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and FP5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The pic here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and FP5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.