Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic SZ7

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic SZ7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the SZ7 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and SZ7 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM2 was announced 17 months after the SZ7 which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PM2 scores versus the SZ7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with external 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 SZ7 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic SZ7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-PM2 against the SZ7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and SZ7 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing specifications. The pic here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and SZ7.

To sum up, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will provide more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.