Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ150

Here is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ150, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and FZ150 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ150 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-PM2 was revealed 14 months later than the FZ150 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PM2 grades against the FZ150 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys 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 FZ150 has dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ150 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the FZ150.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FZ150 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking specifications. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and FZ150.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will give more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.