• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic GF2 advantages over Olympus E-PM2

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PM2 advantages over Panasonic GF2

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    932 vs 506 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.2 vs 10.3 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • More telephoto lens reach
    84 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.34 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.9 fps vs 2.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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Buy the Olympus E-PM2

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).

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Panasonic GF2
Olympus E-PL3
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-PM2
Olympus E-PL3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Shoots 60p video

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3X
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3X
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF5
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GM5
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GM5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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