Olympus PEN E-PM2 vs Pentax ist DS2: A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a deeply personal - and sometimes perplexing - decision. Over the years, I’ve tested countless cameras from entry-level compacts to professional beasts, and today I’m diving into a spirited face-off between two very different models that have their own distinct appeal: the Olympus PEN E-PM2 (2013) and the Pentax ist DS2 (2005). These cameras hail from different eras and cater to different user philosophies - mirrorless versatility versus DSLR tradition.

If you find yourself wondering how a compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless stacks up against a mid-sized APS-C DSLR from the mid-2000s, you’re in the right place. Drawing on hands-on experience and technical analysis, I’ll walk you through the key differences, strengths, and shortcomings, while exploring their suitability across various photographic disciplines. Let’s get started.

Design and Ergonomics: Compact Elegance vs. DSLR Substance

Right out of the box, these cameras couldn’t be more different physically. The Olympus E-PM2 embraces a diminutive, rangefinder-style mirrorless design, weighing only 269 grams and measuring a neat 110x64x34 mm. This makes it incredibly pocketable and travel-friendly. The Pentax ist DS2, on the other hand, is what you’d expect from a mid-size DSLR: solidly built at 605 grams with dimensions of 125x93x66 mm. It feels substantial in hand, emphasizing grip and robustness.

Handling and ergonomics reveal their philosophies, too. The E-PM2’s stripped-down top deck and minimalistic controls reflect its entry-level status in Olympus’s lineup, aiming to keep things accessible for beginners and hobbyists. The ist DS2 features a more traditional DSLR control layout but with fewer buttons and dials than today’s standards.

If you prefer a lightweight, discreet shooter for street or travel photography, the Olympus is an obvious winner here. But if you want something sturdy with a more pronounced grip - ideal for longer shooting sessions and heavier lenses - the Pentax might better suit your hand.

Interface and Controls: Simplicity vs. DSLR Conventions

Digging deeper, the Olympus impresses with its touchscreen interface on a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k dots, which is surprisingly responsive for its time. This modern feature facilitates intuitive AF point selection, menu navigation, and shooting parameter adjustments - especially for photographers migrating from smartphones or point-and-shoots.

Contrastingly, the Pentax ist DS2 has a more traditional fixed 2.5-inch LCD screen with a lower resolution of 210k dots, minus touchscreen capabilities. No live-view mode means you rely exclusively on the optical pentaprism viewfinder for composition - a beloved trait for purists preferring an optical experience but something that can intimidate newcomers.

Both cameras lack articulated screens, limiting flexibility in awkward shooting angles. Neither has illuminated buttons, which is an understandable omission given their age and market segment.

I find Olympus’s touchscreen far more approachable for today’s users, especially in casual or travel contexts, while Pentax’s DSLR control experience caters to those who prefer manual adjustment with tactile buttons and optical clarity.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs. APS-C CCD

This is where things get interesting. The Olympus PEN E-PM2 sports a 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm with a sensor area of approximately 225 mm². It inherited the benefits of mirrorless sensor designs of its era, including integrated sensor-shift image stabilization, which helps compensate for camera shake regardless of lens choice.

The Pentax ist DS2 packs a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor sized at 23.5x15.7 mm (about 369 mm²), notable in the mid-2000s but noticeably lower in resolution and dynamic range compared to more modern CMOS sensors. Although larger in size - offering better light-gathering potential - the CCD technology limits its high-ISO performance.

According to DxOMark, the E-PM2 scores an overall 72 points with excellent color depth (22.7 bits) and a dynamic range of 12.2 EV stops. Low-light scores reach an ISO equivalent of 932. The ist DS2’s sensor hasn’t been current enough for detailed DxOMark testing but comparing specs and real-world performance, the Olympus clearly offers richer image quality, better noise control, and higher resolution.

For portrait and landscape photographers looking for detail, vibrant colors, and post-processing latitude, the E-PM2’s sensor technology outclasses the Pentax here.

Autofocus and Performance: Modern Contrast Detection vs. Classic Phase Detection

If speed and focus accuracy are important, the Olympus comes with 35 contrast-detection AF points, including Face Detection and continuous AF modes, delivering smooth focus acquisition, especially in live view. While it lacks phase-detection pixels, the hybrid approach works well in daylight and moderately low light situations.

The Pentax ist DS2 relies on 11 phase-detection AF points, typical of DSLRs at the time, which perform well through the optical viewfinder. However, the AF system lacks face or eye detection and cannot focus in live view as the camera doesn’t offer this mode. Also, continuous AF tracking is less sophisticated.

Burst shooting speeds also paint a clear picture: The Olympus can shoot 8 fps at full resolution, suitable for wildlife or sports enthusiasts on a budget, whereas the Pentax lags behind at 3 fps - a notable limitation.

In practice, I’ve found the E-PM2 to be more versatile across a range of subjects - from portraits to moving wildlife - owing to its more advanced AF and faster continuous shooting.

Shooting Disciplines in Focus: Where Each Camera Shines

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-PM2’s 16MP sensor provides ample resolution to capture nuanced skin tones, and the availability of quality Micro Four Thirds lenses with wide apertures (f/1.8 and faster) creates pleasing bokeh effects. The in-camera face detection AF assists in locking focus on subjects’ eyes - a must for modern portrait work.

The Pentax offers less resolution and no face detection but pairs with an extensive KAF lens ecosystem, including primes designed for portraiture. However, the smaller pixel count and older sensor technology mean less detail and lower dynamic range in softer shadows.

For portraits, I’d recommend the Olympus for its autofocus sophistication and image quality, though Pentax fans with quality primes and an established system can still get respectable results.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers generally prize sensor resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing, and interchangeable lens options. Here the Pentax ist DS2’s larger APS-C sensor area and slightly superior dynamic range (though limited testing exists) give it a modest edge in image quality potential at base ISO.

However, neither camera offers weather sealing or robust environmental protections, so both require caution in tough conditions.

Resolution-wise, the E-PM2's 16MP sensor provides higher pixel counts than the 6MP Pentax, translating to more detail and cropping flexibility in landscapes. The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem boasts excellent wide-angle options, including compact primes and ultra-wide zooms.

Overall, if maximum resolution and pixel-level detail are your priority, Olympus takes the lead. Pentax offers a traditional DSLR feel for the dedicated shooter who enjoys optical viewfinder framing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Bursts, AF tracking, and telephoto reach matter most here. The Olympus E-PM2’s 8 fps continuous shooting and 35 AF points with tracking capabilities make it a nimble choice, plus a telephoto multiplier of 2.1x per Micro Four Thirds sensor means lenses can be compact yet provide effective focal reach.

Pentax’s slower burst rate and limited 11-point AF without tracking capabilities limit catching fast action. Its 1.5x crop is helpful but less dramatic than Olympus’s due to fewer frames per second.

Additionally, the E-PM2’s in-body image stabilization mitigates handshake during shoot bursts with long lenses - a genuine advantage for wildlife shooters on the go.

Street Photography

Here, size, discreetness, and handling shine. The Olympus E-PM2 is small, quiet, and easy to slip into a bag - perfect for candid street shooting. Its touchscreen simplifies quick manual focus overrides and exposure compensation with minimal fuss.

Pentax’s heft and shutter noise can be obtrusive in street settings. Its lack of silent shutter modes and lower burst rate also make it less suited for spontaneous scenarios.

If discreet travel and street photography are your game, Olympus takes the prize hands down.

Macro Photography

The Olympus benefits from sensor-shift stabilization, which is invaluable for handheld macro work. Combined with a rich range of Micro Four Thirds macro lenses featuring precise focus mechanisms, it lets you get up close with impressive detail.

While Pentax has compatible macro options, lack of in-body stabilization and less responsive live view make critical focusing more demanding.

I’d recommend Olympus for macro enthusiasts prioritizing flexibility and ease of use.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light ISO performance is crucial. Olympus’s maximum ISO of 25,600, while often noisy, benefits from better sensor tech and in-body stabilization for longer handheld shots at night. The Pentax’s max ISO of 3200 is more limited, with noticeable grain and noise past base ISOs due to CCD sensor traits.

Neither camera has dedicated astro modes, but Olympus’s live view and exposure compensation aids night shooting notably.

Video Capabilities

If video is important to you, Olympus has the clear advantage with Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and basics like HDMI output. Although the codec options are limited and there’s no external mic port, basic videography is possible.

The Pentax ist DS2 lacks video functionality altogether.

Travel Photography

Balancing image quality, weight, size, battery life, and connectivity defines a good travel camera. The Olympus E-PM2 shines here with compactness, decent battery life (approximately 360 shots), image stabilization, and Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility for easy file sharing on the go.

Pentax is heavy and bulky, with no wireless, shorter battery life, and no video capability, making the E-PM2 a far more versatile travel companion.

Professional Use

While neither is designed as a professional-level camera by today’s standards, the Pentax’s DSLR build and Pentax K-mount lens ecosystem allow some experienced photographers to integrate it within workflows, especially those devoted to prime lenses and optical viewfinders.

Olympus produces cleaner RAW files with richer color depth but is limited by its entry-level positioning and plastic build.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Pentax ist DS2 front Pentax ist DS2 screen back

Real-World Image Gallery: Side-by-Side Samples

Here you can see a curated set of comparison shots illustrating typical output - portrait skin tones, landscape sharpness, and low-light shots under challenging conditions. Note the richer tonal gradations and higher detail in Olympus’s images, especially at higher ISOs.

Pentax’s files show vintage character with warm hues and contrast but lack the fine detail and noise control of the E-PM2.

Build and Durability: What to Expect

Both cameras lack weather sealing or rugged designs; neither is splashproof or dustproof.

The Pentax ist DS2’s heavier, more substantial body feels more durable to years of handling, but beware that its reliance on AA batteries might be inconvenient. The Olympus uses proprietary BLS-5 lithium-ion packs with respectable lifespan.

Both offer one SD card slot, but Olympus supports SDXC standards, enabling bigger cards and more storage flexibility.

Connectivity and Extras

The Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless cards enabling some wireless transfer features - useful albeit dated by today’s standards. HDMI output is also a plus.

Pentax offers none of these modern conveniences. Connectivity is limited to USB 1.0 and no video output.

Neither camera features Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or advanced wireless protocols.

Price and Availability

When new, the Olympus E-PM2 cost around $448, representing solid entry-level value today on the used market for budget-conscious buyers seeking versatile mirrorless options.

The Pentax ist DS2 is older and often found at bargain prices used, appealing to photographers with nostalgic leanings or dedicated Pentax ecosystems.

How They Score Overall: Performance Summary

On a normalized scale of usability, image quality, and features, the Olympus E-PM2 posts strong results due to sensor resolution, AF capabilities, video, and in-body stabilization. The Pentax ist DS2 ranks lower, reflecting its dated sensor and more limited functionality.

Genre-Specific Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Portraits: Olympus leads (better AF, resolution, color)
• Landscape: Close, slight edge to Olympus
• Wildlife: Olympus favored (burst, AF tracking, stabilization)
• Sports: Olympus clearly better suited
• Street: Olympus for discretion and compactness
• Macro: Olympus due to stabilization and lenses
• Night/Astro: Olympus for ISO advantage
• Video: Olympus only
• Travel: Olympus more versatile and lightweight
• Professional: Pentax respectable with quality primes, but Olympus’s modern sensor helps

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you want a compact, versatile camera capable of handling a wide array of photographic styles with better image quality, faster autofocus, and video, the Olympus PEN E-PM2 is an excellent choice, especially for enthusiasts and travelers on a budget.

If you prefer the tactile, substantial feel of a DSLR, own Pentax K-mount lenses, or seek a more traditional optical viewfinder experience - and don’t mind the dated specs - the Pentax ist DS2 remains a nostalgic and capable shooter for certain applications.

Both cameras provide fantastic teaching grounds for beginners stepping into photography, but today’s advanced features and practicalities clearly favor Olympus for most users. Remember, camera choice is not just about specs but how it fits into your shooting style and creative ambitions.

I hope this detailed comparison has illuminated the essential qualities and quirks of these two venerable models. Whichever you pick, the best camera is always the one in your hands ready to capture the moment.

Happy shooting!