Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF1

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) but they come with the exact same sensor size (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was launched 3 years after the GF1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PM2 scores against the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has proportions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM2 versus the GF1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and GF1 is 89 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and GF1.

As you can see, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Olympus E-PM2 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 provides a benefit in sensor technology.