Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax Q-S1

The following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the Q-S1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PM2 grades versus the Q-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 provides exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM2 versus Pentax Q-S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PM2 versus the Q-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and Q-S1 is 89 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and Q-S1.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PM2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.