Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FS12

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FS12, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FS12 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-PM2 was brought out 4 years later than the FS12 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the FS12 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic FS12 has sizing of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FS12 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 against the FS12.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and FS12 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and FS12.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will render greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.