Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic Lumix G2: A Detailed Comparison for the Micro Four Thirds Shooter

In the ever-evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, the Micro Four Thirds system has carved out a unique niche, offering compact size married with considerable lens choice and versatility. Two cameras emblematic of this ecosystem, though from different eras and design philosophies, are the Olympus PEN E-PM2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. Both positioned as entry-level mirrorless options, they offer photographers a taste of MFT’s convenience and quality - but which one better suits your style and needs? I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both models to distill their practical strengths and weaknesses across all major photography genres, providing informed guidance to enthusiasts and pros alike.

Let’s unpack their major features, real-world usability, and performance to identify who wins where - and for whom.

Compact vs SLR-Style Design: Handling and Ergonomics

First impressions matter, and size plus ergonomics often dictate whether you’ll enjoy lugging a camera everywhere or finding it a chore.

The Olympus E-PM2 embraces a rangefinder-style mirrorless approach, markedly compact and lightweight. Its dimensions stand at 110 x 64 x 34 mm, with the body weighing a mere 269 grams - only about half a pound. This makes it highly pocketable for travel, street photography, and casual shoots. The fixed 3-inch touchscreen, although basic in resolution at 460k dots, integrates touch focus functionality that I found intuitive in daily usage.

Contrast this with the Panasonic G2, which channels SLR-style mirrorless styling, measuring 124 x 84 x 74 mm, and tipping the scales at 428 grams. It’s larger and chunkier, with a substantial hand grip that better accommodates those who prioritize handling over pocket-friendliness. Its 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, with equal resolution to the E-PM2, offers greater compositional freedom (especially useful for macro, video, and tricky angles), and supports touch-based control.

Looking from the top, the control layout differences become clearer: the Olympus opts for a minimalist, leaner interface designed for swift point-and-shoot spontaneity, while the Panasonic boasts more dedicated dials and buttons, granting quicker access to key settings for those who prefer tactile control during fast-paced shooting situations.

If your priority is pocketable convenience and you dislike jabbing through complex menus, Olympus’s E-PM2 might strike your fancy. However, if you enjoy physical controls and a more reassuring heft - and don’t mind the size - then Panasonic's G2 can feel more professional in your hands.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds sensor size (17.3 x 13 mm), translating to a crop factor of about 2.1x. However, their sensor resolutions and underlying technology differ meaningfully.

The Olympus E-PM2 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter, a slight resolution advantage over the Panasonic G2’s 12-megapixel CMOS sensor (also with a low-pass filter). This extra megapixel count translates into higher maximum image resolution (4608 x 3456 vs. 4000 x 3000 pixels) and finer detail retention - an advantage for landscape and commercial portrait work where pixel-level sharpness matters.

Notably, Olympus leverages advancements in sensor read-out and noise management from its generation, reflected in better dynamic range (12.2 EV vs. 10.3 EV on the G2) and improved color depth (22.7-bit vs. 21.2-bit). Olympus’s DxOMark overall score of 72 surpasses Panasonic’s 53 by a wide margin, largely due to superior noise control (ISO 932 vs. 493).

In practical use, the E-PM2 offers cleaner images at higher ISOs and more latitude in shadows, lending itself well to challenging lighting conditions, such as indoor events or night photography. The G2’s sensor, while competent, shows more noise when pushed beyond ISO 800, limiting its versatility in low-light scenarios.

This sensor gap sets Olympus apart for photographers valuing image quality without resorting entirely to full-frame cameras - a testament to how sensor improvements over mere years can enhance output noticeably.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) is critical, particularly for moving subjects - sports, wildlife, or street shooters know this well.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF systems; neither incorporates phase-detection pixels, which is expected given their vintage and price point. The E-PM2 features 35 AF points spread across the frame, offering decent coverage, while Panasonic hasn’t publicly specified its number of focus points.

In real-world shooting, the Olympus autofocus feels perceptibly quicker and more accurate. It supports face detection and continuous AF tracking modes that maintain focus on moving subjects reasonably well. The E-PM2’s burst shooting speed of 8 fps significantly outmatches the Panasonic G2’s 3 fps, making Olympus a better option for action photography - say, candid street moments or cats in flight.

Both cameras offer AF touch control on their screens, a boon when shooting in live view. Face detection works effectively in both, but the E-PM2’s newer implementation is more responsive and reliable in mixed lighting.

For wildlife or sports where fast-moving subjects dominate, Olympus’s faster burst and refined AF tracking provide practical advantages. Panasonic's G2 still holds up in moderate action but may struggle under rapid sequences.

Video Capabilities: The Multimedia Angle

Video remains a significant selling point for mirrorless system buyers. Here, the Panasonic G2 was among the first consumer MFT cameras to champion video recording aggressively.

The G2 shoots HD video up to 1280 x 720 at 30fps in AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG format, supported by an external microphone input - a feature absent on the E-PM2. Its fully articulating screen facilitates vlogging and creative framing, an asset for videographers.

The Olympus E-PM2 offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps, a step up in resolution, but lacks a mic input, limiting audio control for serious videographers. The fixed screen hampers flexibility in some video shooting scenarios.

Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video features like high framerates or focus peaking - a reflection of their era. For casual shooters craving better stills but wanting occasional HD video, both are serviceable, but the Panasonic edges out with microphone support.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither model is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Both are constructed from lightweight materials - plastic bodies predominately - which supports their entry-level status and compactness.

If you do frequent travel to dusty or damp environments, additional care is needed, but their modest dimensions make it easier to protect with affordable camera bags or rain covers.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Composition Tools

The Panasonic G2 shines with its electronic viewfinder (EVF) featuring 1.44 million-dot resolution and 100% frame coverage, plus 0.55x magnification - a rare find at this class. This makes it easier to compose in bright light without squinting or struggling with glare on the screen. The articulating screen adds more versatility for awkward angles.

The Olympus E-PM2 lacks a built-in EVF, relying on the rear 3-inch fixed touchscreen for composition. While the screen is touch-enabled for focus and menu operation, the lack of an integrated viewfinder might be a dealbreaker for some.

Choosing between them, if you shoot outdoors heavily or appreciate eye-level framing, the Panasonic’s EVF is a big plus. If you prefer compactness and can live without a viewfinder, the Olympus keeps things simple.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What You Can Shoot

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, offering compatibility with over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. This system shines because of its breadth - fast primes, stabilized zooms, macro, fisheye, and professional-grade optics.

Neither camera has major lens restrictions within MFT, so your choice of glass is driven more by budget and intended genre rather than body constraints.

Battery Life and Storage

Each camera uses proprietary rechargeable battery packs: Olympus's BLS-5 and Panasonic's unspecified standard pack. Both offer roughly 360 shots per charge under CIPA rating, which is decent for mirrorless but below some DSLRs - carry a spare if you're a heavy shooter.

One SD card slot per camera makes storage straightforward.

Specialized Use Cases: How They Perform Across Photography Genres

For a hands-on comparison, I shot both cameras over weeks under various conditions:

Portrait Photography

The E-PM2’s higher resolution paired with smooth skin tone rendering and natural bokeh from MFT lenses produced crisper, more flattering portraits. Its contrast-detection AF locked well on faces, enhancing eye sharpness. The G2’s colors were warm but softer; slower burst made quick candid captures trickier.

Landscape

Thanks to higher resolution and 12.2 EV of DR, Olympus files retained more detail in shadows and highlights, particularly useful at sunrise or sunset. The Olympus’s sensor outperforms Panasonic’s in revealing subtle tonal gradations. No weather sealing was a limiting factor for both.

Wildlife

Olympus’s 8 fps burst speed and more responsive AF favored wildlife sequences, such as birds in moderately low light. The G2’s slower shooting could miss fast flapping wings. Lenses, however, matter more here.

Sports

Similar story: Olympus edges ahead with tracking stability and bursts, but neither is ideal for pro sports given limited AF sophistication.

Street Photography

The G2’s larger form is more conspicuous; Olympus’s E-PM2 excels in discretion. Low-light ISO advantage on Olympus means cleaner night street captures. Fixed screen a slight drawback, but quick autofocus and compactness merit a nod.

Macro

Fully articulating screen on G2 helps critical focus in macro, but Olympus’s superior sensor resolution and IBIS system (sensor stabilization) combine for tack-sharp handheld close-ups.

Night and Astro

Higher ISO handling on Olympus shines here. Both lack native astro features like built-in bulb timers, but Olympus’s cleaner low-light performance and built-in stabilization assist. Panasonic’s lower max ISO (6400) limits flexibility.

Video

Panasonic’s mic input and articulating screen offer more control for enthusiasts. Olympus’s 1080p resolution is better, but lack of audio input a barrier. Neither is a dedicated video powerhouse.

Travel Photography

Olympus’s smaller size, weight, and IBIS favor travel. Battery life parity means similar on-the-go endurance. The G2’s EVF adds versatility but bulk.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits full professional requirement criteria due to build and AF sophistication. However, Olympus’s 16MP raw files and better image quality make it a better secondary body or casual professional backup.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Panasonic G2 front Panasonic G2 screen back

Technical Summary and Overall Scoring

Bringing together all data points and practical tests, here’s a concise rating:

Discipline-Specific Ratings and Recommendations

The below breakdown clarifies which camera fits best by genre and usage:

Connectivity and Extras

Olympus offers Eye-Fi card connectivity, allowing wireless image transfers - a unique bonus for instant sharing. Panasonic surprisingly omits wireless altogether.

Both cameras have HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but lack Bluetooth or NFC.

No GPS on either.

Price-to-Performance and Final Verdict

At current prices, the Olympus E-PM2 (~$448) presents a far superior value proposition than the older, now pricier Panasonic G2 (~$1000). Olympus’s improvements in sensor quality, AF speed, burst rate, and more modern usability features make it the sharper choice for today’s enthusiasts on a budget.

So who do I recommend for whom?

• Choose Olympus E-PM2 if: You want better image quality, faster autofocus and burst performance, a compact body for street and travel, and sharper video (albeit without mic input).

• Choose Panasonic G2 if: You value an integrated, high-res electronic viewfinder, a fully articulating screen for video and macro work, external mic support, and don't mind bulkier handling.

Neither camera is the current state-of-the-art, of course, but both remain capable MFT options for beginners and hobbyists seeking affordable lenses and good image quality.

Only have room for one in your bag? Personally, I prefer the Olympus E-PM2 for its blend of size, image quality, and speed. It’s my go-to when I think “mirrorless light and fast.” The Panasonic G2 still holds nostalgia and utility, especially for those who prize its EVF and video options, but it’s showing its age.

Whether you’re diving into portraiture, landscapes, or casual street shooting, I hope this side-by-side equips you with the right insights. And remember: lens selection and post-processing are just as pivotal as the body in crafting your photographic signature.

If you want to explore more comparisons or specific usage advice, I’m always here to share my tested experience and guide your gear decisions. Happy shooting!