Olympus E-400 vs Olympus E-PL2

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-400 vs Olympus E-PL2, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-400 (10MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-400 was introduced 5 years earlier than the E-PL2 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-400 matches up versus the E-PL2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-400 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-400 enjoys external measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL2 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-400 vs Olympus E-PL2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-400 and the E-PL2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-400 and E-PL2 is 77 and 85 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-400 and E-PL2.

As you can see, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus E-PL2 to deliver more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-400 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.