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Olympus E-PM2

 
Olympus PEN E-PM2 front
 
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 269g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
  • Revealed May 2013
  • Superseded the Olympus E-PM1
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
89
Imaging
52
Features
63
Overall
56

Olympus E-PM2 overview

Olympus E-PM2 is Olympus's Entry-Level Mirrorless camera first announced on May of 2013. It has a 16 MegaPixel, CMOS Four Thirds size sensor with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Olympus released this camera in order to improve the earlier Olympus E-PM1 (Read Full Comparison)

The E-PM2 is positioned #75 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and all around #358 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to use our Smart camera finder to see camera rankings based on your customized criteria.

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Here is a graph of different criteria used in the scoring system.

Olympus E-PM2 family

The Olympus E-PM2 comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can view all earlier and new models along with main specifications.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Olympus-PEN-E-P7 front thumbnailOlympus E-P7
E-PM2 vs E-P7
20MPFour Thirds8.7 fps2021
Olympus-OM-D-E-M10-IV front thumbnailOlympus E-M10 IV
E-PM2 vs E-M10 IV
20MPFour Thirds8.7 fps2020
Photography Glossary
Olympus-PEN-E-PL9 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL9
E-PM2 vs E-PL9
16MPFour Thirds8.6 fps2018
Olympus-OM-D-E-M10-Mark-III front thumbnailOlympus E-M10 III
E-PM2 vs E-M10 III
16MPFour Thirds8.6 fps2017
Olympus-PEN-E-PL8 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL8
E-PM2 vs E-PL8
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2016
Olympus-OM-D-E-M10-II front thumbnailOlympus E-M10 II
E-PM2 vs E-M10 II
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2015
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Olympus-PEN-E-PL7 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL7
E-PM2 vs E-PL7
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2014
Olympus-PEN-E-PL6 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL6
E-PM2 vs E-PL6
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2014
Olympus-OM-D-E-M10 front thumbnailOlympus E-M10
E-PM2 vs E-M10
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2014
Olympus-PEN-E-P5 front thumbnailOlympus E-P5
E-PM2 vs E-P5
16MPFour Thirds9.0 fps2013
Olympus-PEN-E-PM2 front thumbnailOlympus E-PM216MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2013
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Olympus-PEN-E-PL5 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL5
E-PM2 vs E-PL5
16MPFour Thirds8.0 fps2012
Olympus-PEN-E-PM1 front thumbnailOlympus E-PM1
E-PM2 vs E-PM1
12MPFour Thirds6.0 fps2011
Olympus-PEN-E-PL3 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL3
E-PM2 vs E-PL3
12MPFour Thirds6.0 fps2011
Olympus-PEN-E-P3 front thumbnailOlympus E-P3
E-PM2 vs E-P3
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2011
Olympus-PEN-E-PL2 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL2
E-PM2 vs E-PL2
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2011
Olympus-PEN-E-PL1s front thumbnailOlympus E-PL1s
E-PM2 vs E-PL1s
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2010
Olympus-PEN-E-PL1 front thumbnailOlympus E-PL1
E-PM2 vs E-PL1
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2010
Olympus-PEN-E-P2 front thumbnailOlympus E-P2
E-PM2 vs E-P2
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2010
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes
Olympus-PEN-E-P1 front thumbnailOlympus E-P1
E-PM2 vs E-P1
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2009

Olympus E-PM2 Pros and Cons

Here is a selection of benefits and drawbacks of the Olympus E-PM2 based on features which are oftentimes viewed as essential in a camera.

comes with HDMI port
features focus by touch
focusing manually
good resolution (16MP)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
good sized screen (3")
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
has face detect autofocus
has tracking focus
image stabilization (Sensor based)
interchangeable lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
saves RAW files
touchscreen
very good high ISO (25,600)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have phase detect autofocus
fixed screen
no headphone port
no microphone port
no Timelapse recording
pixelated screen (460 thousand dot)
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Olympus E-PM2 Sensor information

The sensor spec in the Olympus E-PM2 is 17.3mm x 13mm (Four Thirds). The 225 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Sensor based). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization as the latter can easily produce cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600. RAW files are saved so you have more room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath displays the E-PM2's sensor size compared to other common sizes. The E-PM2 sensor comes with a crop factor of 2.1 and is pointed out in green.

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To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus E-PM2 dimensions

Olympus E-PM2 weighs around 0.59 pounds (269g / 9.49 oz) and the dimensions of the camera is 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329g so the Olympus E-PM2 is lighter as compared to its competitors.

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Here is a image of the Olympus E-PM2 with a soda to help you have a feel for its size.

Olympus PEN E-PM2 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will provide the button layout on the E-PM2.

Olympus PEN E-PM2 topview buttons dials

Olympus E-PM2 Lens information

The E-PM2 works with the Micro Four Thirds mount and has 162 lenses currently available. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our database that will fit the E-PM2.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Samyang-16mm-f2.0-ED-AS-UMC-CS-Micro-Four-Thirds lensSamyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS16mmf/2.0 583g
Samyang-24mm-f1.4-ED-AS-UMC-Four-Thirds lensSamyang 24mm f1.4 ED AS UMC24mmf/1.4 580g
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Panasonic-Lumix-G-Vario-45-200mm-F4-5.6-II-Power-OIS lensPanasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm F4-5.6 II Power OIS45-200mmf/4-5.6 370g
Panasonic-Lumix-G-Vario-35-100mm-F4.0-5.6-ASPH-Mega-OIS lensPanasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS35-100mmf/4.0-5.6 135g
Olympus-M.Zuiko-Digital-300mm-F4-IS-Pro lensOlympus M.Zuiko Digital 300mm F4 IS Pro300mmf/4.0 1270g
Panasonic-Lumix-G-20mm-F1.7-II-ASPH lensPanasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH20mmf/1.7 87g
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Panasonic-Leica-Summilux-DG-25mm-F1.4 lensPanasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.425mmf/1.4 200g
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Olympus E-PM2 Connectivity

The E-PM2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that incorporate NFC or Bluetooth connectivity can be used wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to transfer pictures and sometimes change camera settings with no need to connect directly with the camera.

Some apps also provide a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can be hooked up to an external screen. Virtually all cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB socket.

Photography Glossary

Olympus E-PM2 Video information

The maximum video resolution in the Olympus E-PM2 is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in MPEG-4, H.264 and Motion JPEG format. 1080p resolution provides a good balance for quality versus file size but FULL HD will not give you much room to downsample. The body doesn't feature a mic or headphone jack so you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to buy an alternative model should you want good audio in your video clips.

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Olympus E-PM2 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing on the Olympus E-PM2 so you have to be cautious in wet or dusty situations.

Olympus E-PM2 Display and Viewfinder

The Olympus E-PM2 has a 3 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Additionally the display screen is touch friendly so you can easily switch focus points as well as adjust settings with your fingers.

Olympus PEN E-PM2 screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The View Finder specifications regarding Olympus E-PM2 are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic (optional)

Viewfinders are very handy for sunny outdoor situations which may make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.

Olympus E-PM2 Shutter information

Olympus E-PM2 continuous shooting rate is 8.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.

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Olympus E-PM2 Flash and Hot shoe information

Olympus E-PM2 has got external flash ability but does not have integrated flash. The max flash sync is 1/250 seconds.

Olympus E-PM2 Autofocus information

Olympus E-PM2 has got only Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more faster & precise as compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has Face detect which makes it helpful for portraits.

It has 35 focus points to select from. Olympus E-PM2 has touch to focus. You are able to use your fingers in order to adjust where you focus. It also has Tracking AF for things that move. Olympus E-PM2 has manual focus in case it is required for low light or you need to have more precise focus control.

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Olympus E-PM2 Battery life

The battery (BLS-5) on the Olympus E-PM2 is designed to last for 360 photos with respect to the CIPA requirements which is about the same as its rivals. The general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 has the highest possible (750) battery life for this group of cameras.

Following is a list of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras that come with the strongest battery life:

Olympus E-PM2 for different forms of photography

The following graph displays a summation of the Olympus E-PM2 for different forms of photography. To understand more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Olympus E-PM2 Portrait photography highlights

The Olympus E-PM2 receives a rating of 71 which is above average, meaning that it is a good fit to use for portraits. Photographing portrait photos leans heavily to sensor size, RAW support and flexibility to use off-camera lighting.

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you can focus manually
MP count good (16 megapixels)
nice sensor size (Four Thirds)
offers face detection autofocus
saves RAW formats

Olympus E-PM2 Street photography factors

With a brilliant points total of 79, the Olympus E-PM2 is a excellent option to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera has a fine balance of image quality plus portability.

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has image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW files
includes focus by touch
very good ISO range (25,600)
screen does not articulate

Sports photography with Olympus E-PM2

A nice sports photography rating of 66 suggests the Olympus E-PM2 is a respectable choice for taking pictures of sports. A camera must have fantastic tracking plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (16MP)
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
offers tracking autofocus
doesn't have phase detect AF

Travel photography with Olympus E-PM2

Weight is extremely crucial in buying a travel camera. On the whole, the Olympus E-PM2 gets a nice 66 for a travelling camera which makes it a respectable choice for your holidays.

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comes with touch to focus
decent megapixels (16MP)
does not have Timelapse mode
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen

Olympus E-PM2 as a Landscape photography camera

If you're planning to pick a camera for landscape photos, the most vital aspect is going to be image quality. The Olympus E-PM2 at it's very good grade of 74 as a landscape camera is a fine option compared to its competition.

Photography Glossary
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
screen size is good (3")
image stabilization (Sensor based)
MP count good (16MP)
nice sensor size (Four Thirds)
above average high ISO (25,600)
exports RAW files
missing Timelapse recording

Vlogging with Olympus E-PM2

A vlogging camera ought to posses a articulating display screen, mic input and preferably image stabilization. Considering every thing, the Olympus E-PM2 is not really appropriate for vlogging as it delivers a terrible score of 36.

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screen is touchscreen
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detection autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
lack of external microphone support

Olympus E-PM2 Alternatives

If you need alternatives to the E-PM2, below is a range of the highest rated cameras which fall within the category of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The line graph down below gives you a summary of the E-PM2 vs it's highest rated competitors shown previously.

Following are several cameras you might have a look at as alternative options. To read a comprehensive comparison, go to the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Olympus
Model
Olympus PEN E-PM2
Class
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed
2013-05-21
Body design
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
Four Thirds
Sensor measurements
17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area
224.9mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3
Maximum resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW pictures
Maximum native ISO
25600
Lowest native ISO
200
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points
35
Lens
Lens mounting type
Micro Four Thirds
Available lenses
107
Focal length multiplier
2.1
Screen
Range of display
Fixed Type
Display size
3"
Display resolution
460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic (optional)
DXO scores
DXO All around score
72
DXO Color Depth score
22.7
DXO Dynamic range score
12.2
DXO Low light score
932
Features
Slowest shutter speed
60 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting speed
8.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1)
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels)
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync
1/250 secs
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
269g (0.59 pounds)
Dimensions
110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
360 images
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
BLS-5
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
Single
Retail pricing
$448