Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic LX7

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic LX7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was launched 8 months later than the LX7 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the LX7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 provides outer 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 LX7 has specifications of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic LX7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PM2 versus the LX7.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and LX7 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The graphic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and LX7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will render more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The younger E-PM2 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.