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We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
Here we compare the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 with the Sony NEX-F3, Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1, Nikon 1 J2 and Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
These results show that the Olympus PEN E-PM2's JPEG files have a relatively low signal to noise ratio compared to those from the Sony NEX-F3, Olympus E-PM1, Nikon 1 J2 and Olympus E-PL5, falling below the Sony and E-PM1 at lower sensitivities, but overtaking the E-PM1 at ISO 3200 and keeping up with the E-PL5 at the higher end of the settings.
Raw signal to noise ratio
The signal to noise ratios of the TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 are very similar to those from the Olympus PEN E-PL5, falling below the Sony NEX-F3 but beating the Nikon 1 J2 throughout the sensitivity range. The E-PM2 sits below the Olympus PEN E-PM1 at the lower ISOs, before taking the lead after ISO 1600.
JPEG dynamic range
JPEG results for dynamic range again show the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 scoring very similar figures to the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5. The two cameras sit above the Sony NEX-F3 and Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 at every sensitivity setting, and above the Nikon 1 J2 at the lower ISOs, before the Nikon creeps up to its level at ISO 3200 and above.
Raw dynamic range
As we see from this chart, TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 once again produce similar dynamic range to the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5, beating results from the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 and Nikon 1 J2 at every sensitivity setting. The E-PM2 beats the Sony NEX-F3 at lower sensitivities, but the Sony joins its level at ISO 1600 and above.
