Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic S2

The following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic S2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM2 was introduced 17 months after the S2 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM2 versus the S2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and S2 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specifications. The picture underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and S2.

Plainly, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will result in more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger E-PM2 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.