Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS45

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS45, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is very comparable but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was announced 19 months before the ZS45 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-PM2 scores vs the ZS45 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 has got outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has sizing of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS45 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the ZS45.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and ZS45 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and ZS45.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with the identical MP but different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 offers the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PM2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.