Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ100

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ100, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was revealed 2 years after the FZ100 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PM2 scores vs the FZ100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 offers 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) whilst the Panasonic FZ100 has specifications of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-PM2 versus the FZ100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and FZ100 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and FZ100.

All in all, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will render more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PM2 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.