Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax Q

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PM2 and Pentax Q, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and Q (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was unveiled 24 months later than the Q which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PM2 grades against the Q when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Pentax Q. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 has outer measurements 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 Pentax Q has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 and Pentax Q in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 compared to the Q.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and Q is 89 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and Q.

As you can see, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will resolve more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.