Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax RZ18

Below is a thorough overview of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Pentax RZ18, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the RZ18 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and RZ18 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was released 21 months later than the RZ18 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RZ18 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PM2 matches up against the RZ18 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Pentax Optio RZ18. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Pentax RZ18 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax RZ18 has specifications of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM2 versus Pentax RZ18 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PM2 and the RZ18.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and RZ18 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and RZ18.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses the exact same MP but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM2 includes the larger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more recent E-PM2 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.