Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic G2

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus 550WP and Panasonic G2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the G2 (12MP) is very similar but the 550WP (1/2.3") and G2 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor size.

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The 550WP was announced 18 months before the G2 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the 550WP grades versus the G2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Panasonic G2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus 550WP comes with exterior dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G2 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") and a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 550WP and Panasonic G2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the 550WP against the G2.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and G2 is 94 and 72 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 550WP and G2.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 550WP using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic G2 will deliver more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older 550WP is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.