Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS1

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZS1 (10MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS1 (1/2.5") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PM2 was unveiled 4 years later than the ZS1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PM2 grades vs the ZS1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS1 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the ZS1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and ZS1 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and ZS1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you more detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.