Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS30

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the ZS30 (18MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was announced 5 months later than the ZS30 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PM2 grades against the ZS30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 has outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 against the ZS30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and ZS30 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and ZS30.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS30 will give extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots much more aggressively.