• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PM2 advantages over Ricoh Theta V

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 360 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Ricoh Theta V advantages over Olympus E-PM2

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 33 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Super compact and lightweight; Excellent image and print quality that rivals much more expensive CSCs and DSLRs; Solid low-light (high ISO) performance; Touchscreen LCD responsive and useful once you get used to it; Speedy and accurate AF on still subjects; Tons of advanced shooting features and customizing options.

  • Maddening menu system; No physical Mode dial; Motion AF not quite up to par; Mediocre HD video quality; No built-in flash (but a small external flash is included).

  • Read our Olympus E-PM2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF2
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF2

Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF2
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta V vs Panasonic GF2

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF3

Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF3
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Ricoh Theta V vs Panasonic GF3

Compared to Panasonic GX1

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GX1
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GX1

Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GX1
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Ricoh Theta V vs Panasonic GX1

Compared to Olympus E-P5

Olympus E-PM2
Olympus E-P5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1249
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus E-P5

Ricoh Theta V
Olympus E-P5
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1249
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Ricoh Theta V vs Olympus E-P5

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GM5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GM5

Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GM5
  • $444
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Ricoh Theta V vs Panasonic GM5

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