Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A100

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A100, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and A100 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P2 was brought out 3 years later than the A100 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-P2 matches up against the A100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 comes with physical measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony A100 has sizing of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P2 and the A100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and A100 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P2 and A100.

Clearly, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-P2 will give you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger E-P2 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.