Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic ZS7

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZS7 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was introduced 23 months later than the ZS7 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PM2 grades versus the ZS7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS7 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic ZS7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PM2 against the ZS7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and ZS7 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and ZS7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will resolve extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent E-PM2 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.