Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FX700

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FX700, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FX700 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FX700 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was announced 2 years after the FX700 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX700 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the FX700 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FX700 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic FX700 has sizing of 104mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 176 grams (0.39 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FX700 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM2 and the FX700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and FX700 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The pic here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and FX700.

All in all, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will give more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.