Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS15

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS15, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZS15 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was announced 11 months after the ZS15 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PM2 grades versus the ZS15 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 has got physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS15 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PM2 vs the ZS15.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and ZS15 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and ZS15.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will deliver more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.