Nikon Z30 vs Olympus E-PL2

Its time to look closer at the Nikon Z30 vs Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the Z30 (21MP) and E-PL2 (12MP) and the Z30 (APS-C) and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The Z30 was launched 11 years after the E-PL2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon Z30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the Z30 scores vs the E-PL2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Z30 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon Z30 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon Z30 comes with outside measurements of 128mm x 74mm x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") having a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL2 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon Z30 vs Olympus E-PL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the Z30 compared to the E-PL2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Z30 and E-PL2 is 79 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the Z30 and E-PL2.

As you can tell, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The Z30 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Nikon Z30 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The younger Z30 should have an edge in sensor innovation.