Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax VS20

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax VS20, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is pretty similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was revealed 17 months after the VS20 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PM2 matches up against the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 has physical dimensions 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 Pentax VS20 has dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PM2 against the VS20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and VS20 is 89 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The pic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and VS20.

All in all, the two cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 uses the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier. The more recent E-PM2 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.