Olympus E-P2 vs Sony NEX-C3

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P2 and Sony NEX-C3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-C3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-P2 was introduced 16 months before the NEX-C3 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-P2 scores against the NEX-C3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has specifications of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P2 and Sony NEX-C3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-P2 and the NEX-C3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and NEX-C3 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking specifications. The visual here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P2 and NEX-C3.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-C3 will resolve more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.