Olympus E-PM2 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PM2 and Zeiss ZX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Zeiss. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and ZX1 (Full frame) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM2 was released 6 years prior to the ZX1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the ZX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 features external 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 Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM2 and Zeiss ZX1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 and the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and ZX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 21MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PM2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.