Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ80

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM2 was released 4 years before the FZ80 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PM2 scores versus the FZ80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ80 has sizing of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM2 against the FZ80.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and FZ80 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The image here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and FZ80.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FZ80 will offer more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PM2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.