• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 45.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sigma DP2 Merrill advantages over Olympus E-PM2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-PM2 advantages over Sigma DP2 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $1000 (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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 360 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 58 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    16 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    16 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

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 GF2

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GF2
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF2
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GF3
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GX1

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GX1
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GX1
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-P5

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Olympus E-P5
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1249
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PM2
Olympus E-P5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1249
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Sigma DP2 Merrill
Panasonic GM5
  • $3194
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $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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