Canon M vs Olympus E-PL2

Below, we are evaluating the Canon M and Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the M (18MP) and E-PL2 (12MP) and the M (APS-C) and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor size.

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The M was manufactured 18 months later than the E-PL2 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the M matches up against the E-PL2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS M and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The entire galleries are available at Canon M Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon M has physical measurements of 109mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL2 has sizing of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Examine the Canon M and Olympus E-PL2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the M versus the E-PL2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the M and E-PL2 is 89 and 85 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the M and E-PL2.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon M will resolve greater detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more recent M provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.