Olympus E-P2 vs Sony a5100: A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

When choosing a mirrorless camera today, the market often seems flooded with options vying for attention based on sensor megapixels or the latest video codec. But as someone who’s handled thousands of cameras across genres and price points, I know that the right choice hinges far more on practical performance, ergonomics, and how a camera fits your shooting style. That’s exactly the kind of nuanced perspective I want to bring today, comparing two entry-level mirrorless models from different eras and philosophies: the Olympus PEN E-P2 and the Sony Alpha a5100.

While they might seem straightforward competitors on paper, the E-P2 launched back in 2010 and the a5100 came along four years later, each equipped with distinctive features, quirks, and target users. My goal is to peel back the spec sheets, dig into the real-world impact of their technology, and help you understand which is best for your photography ambitions - whether you’re a curious beginner, a dedicated enthusiast, or a pro seeking a budget-friendly second body.

Let’s dig in with a side-by-side look.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Feel in Your Hands Counts

One of the first things I do when evaluating cameras is grip testing - does the camera feel like a natural extension of your hands or a clunky device you want to put down after 15 minutes? The Olympus E-P2 and Sony a5100 are both compact mirrorless models built around rangefinder-style bodies, but they approach ergonomics quite differently.

The Olympus E-P2 sports a slightly larger footprint at 121 x 70 mm and weighs 355 grams with battery - noticeably chunkier than the a5100’s 110 x 63 mm and 283 grams. Olympus’s retro-inspired design features minimal clubs for thumbs or fingers to curl around; it’s more a flat slab with sharp edges, which feels elegant but can tax your hands if shooting handheld for extended periods.

Conversely, the Sony a5100, while smaller and lighter, incorporates a more contoured grip on the right side that makes it surprisingly easy to hold steady despite its petite frame. Its buttons are thoughtfully arranged, especially considering it lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to stabilize composition against.

If you prize compactness for travel or street shooting, the Sony wins this round with its pocket-friendly profile. But for photographers who prefer something more substantial in hand - and don’t mind the extra weight - the Olympus’s sturdier feel offers a different appeal. Neither has weather sealing, so careful handling in rugged conditions is necessary for both.

User Interface and Controls: Classic Simplicity vs. Modern Touch

Digging deeper into controls and interface, Olympus’s E-P2 reflects the era’s more utilitarian approach. No touchscreen, no articulating LCD - just a fixed 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating and 230k resolution.

Meanwhile, Sony’s a5100 steps things up with a 3-inch tilting LCD screen boasting 922k dots and touchscreen capability. This makes navigating menus, adjusting focus points, and reviewing images a far smoother affair on Sony’s part.

The Olympus’s physical buttons are sparse and unilluminated, and the lack of a viewfinder means you’ll often rely on the LCD, which can struggle outdoors due to its lower resolution and fixed position.

The Sony a5100, designed with consumer-friendliness in mind, offers intuitive touchscreen support for focusing and shooting. It also packs a slightly faster continuous shooting mode at 6fps compared to the E-P2’s 3fps, helpful for capturing action.

If you enjoy tactile controls and don’t mind menu diving, Olympus feels straightforward yet a little dated. For those coming from smartphones or craving easy framing, Sony’s touchscreen makes everyday use more enjoyable and efficient.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds Meets APS-C

The heart of any camera’s image quality story lies in the sensor. Here’s where the generational and technological gap really shines between these two models.

The Olympus E-P2 houses a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, utilizing a TruePic V image processor. Its smaller sensor area of roughly 225 mm² carries a 2.1x focal length crop factor. While impressive at its release for clean images and vibrant colors, it ranks much lower by today’s standards, with a DxO Mark overall score of 56.

The Sony a5100, on the other hand, boasts a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm - about 1.6 times larger in linear dimension and about 63% larger in sensor area. Paired with the Bionz X processor, it achieves a DxO Mark score of 80, reflecting superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance (ISO up to 25,600 native).

This sensor advantage translates to richer detail, smoother gradations in shadows and highlights, and cleaner ISO performance on the Sony. Real-world testing confirms the a5100 bests the Olympus by handling noise better above ISO 800 and recovering shadow detail with less banding.

In portrait and landscape photography, this means the Sony’s images display more texture and subtleties that pros will appreciate - especially when printing or cropping.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast Detection vs Hybrid AF

Autofocus (AF) performance often makes or breaks the shooting experience, particularly for genres requiring speed and accuracy like wildlife and sports.

The Olympus E-P2’s system relies solely on contrast detection with 11 AF points and face detection capability. While it works OK for static subjects in good light, continuous AF tracking is absent - which can frustrate those trying to capture moving subjects.

The Sony a5100 incorporates 179 hybrid AF points mixing phase detection and contrast detection, enabling fast, reliable autofocus and continuous tracking for challenging subjects. Features like Eye AF (although limited for animals) and touch-to-focus speed up operation.

This difference is notable in real-world terms. For sports or wildlife shooters, the a5100’s superior AF system will yield more keepers. Conversely, Olympus users will find themselves manually focusing or accepting slower focus in certain situations.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds vs Sony E

Lens selection is a massive factor influencing camera longevity and creative options.

The Olympus E-P2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, shared by Olympus and Panasonic, with 107 native lenses available covering everything from ultra-wide angles to macro primes and telephoto zooms. This long-standing ecosystem offers great variety at every price point. It's worth noting, however, that the smaller sensor also means telephoto lenses require more reach for equivalent framing compared to APS-C.

The Sony a5100’s Sony E mount (APS-C variant) connects to 121 native lenses, including primes and zooms specifically designed to maximize the larger sensor’s potential. The availability of third-party lenses from Sony partners further bolsters options. Moreover, adaptors can expand potential lens mounts.

Given the broader sensor and lens compatibility, Sony arguably offers more future-proof creative freedom - especially if video or portraiture with shallow depth of field are priorities.

Burst and Shutter Speeds: Following Fast Action

Burst rate can be crucial for sports, wildlife, or action photography.

Olympus E-P2 offers a modest 3fps continuous shooting and a shutter speed range from 1/60 to 1/4000 seconds. It lacks an electronic shutter option, limiting silent shooting opportunities and extended shutter speeds.

Sony a5100 doubles burst speed to 6fps with a shutter range from 1/30 to 1/4000 seconds. While it doesn’t have silent shutter mode either, the faster frame rate improves the chances of capturing fleeting moments.

For those needing quicker response times or longer exposures (like night photography or panning shots), the a5100 shows clear practical value.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Mixed Bag

The Olympus E-P2 packs sensor-based image stabilization - a definite plus for handheld macro and low-light shooting since it helps reduce blur without requiring stabilized lenses.

The Sony a5100 lacks built-in image stabilization, relying instead on lens-based stabilization, which limits effectiveness for lenses without OSS (Optical SteadyShot).

Regarding flash, Olympus doesn’t have a built-in flash but supports external hot-shoe units for more powerful lighting. Sony includes a modest pop-up flash with a 4m range, handy for casual fill light but less versatile.

If you’re shooting macro handheld or in tricky light, Olympus’s in-body stabilization gives it an edge. Conversely, Sony’s flash and more powerful sensor handle low light by ISO sensitivity better.

Video Capabilities: Basic HDTV vs Full HD with Variety

Video shooters should weigh the differences:

• Olympus E-P2 supports 720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG format - pretty basic by today’s standards. There’s no microphone input, limiting control over audio quality.

• The Sony a5100 produces Full HD 1080p footage at up to 60fps, using advanced AVCHD and XAVC S codecs. It also offers slow-motion 720p at 120fps for creative effects. Despite no mic port, the video quality and options are substantially superior.

For occasional video diaries or travel clips, the Sony is a far stronger all-rounder.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Extra Features

Sony’s a5100 wins on wireless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick photo transfer and remote control - a boon for content creators and casual shooters alike.

Olympus’s E-P2 lacks wireless functions entirely, which can be a dealbreaker in today’s instantly connected world.

Both use SD/SDHC cards and have a single card slot, fairly standard, but Sony supports SDXC for higher capacity storage when needed.

Battery Life and Travel Friendliness: Staying Powered Longer

Sony’s a5100 edges out with roughly 400 shots per charge versus Olympus’s 300 - not huge but meaningful on longer trips without battery swaps.

Again, the a5100’s smaller size and lighter weight make it a more comfortable companion for travel photographers who want versatility without bulk.

How the Cameras Perform Across Common Photography Types

I ran a battery of tests and field sessions across photography genres with both cameras. Here’s how they stack up in practice, augmented by real sample galleries:

Olympus E P2 front Olympus E P2 screen back Sony a5100 front Sony a5100 screen back

Portraits

Olympus’s 12MP sensor renders skin tones nicely but with less detail than Sony, whose 24MP APS-C sensor produces more texture and natural bokeh due to longer focal lengths (1.5x crop vs 2.1x on Olympus). For headshots, Sony’s Eye AF - although not perfect - provides solid tracking and focus precision, a big plus.

Winner: Sony a5100 for detail and focusing ease.

Landscapes

Dynamic range is king here, and Sony’s sensor shines with cleaner shadows and highlights, letting you recover crisp details in RAW files more effectively. Olympus’s smaller sensor hits its limits under challenging contrast.

Winner: Sony a5100 for range and resolution.

Wildlife and Sports

The Sony’s faster burst rate, superior AF tracking, and larger lens selection make it much more capable for twitchy subjects. Olympus’s slower AF and 3fps burst is limiting.

Winner: Sony a5100 decisively.

Street Photography

Olympus’s larger body and lack of quick AF tracking are a disadvantage, but its silent shutter absence is offset by compactness. Sony’s smaller frame, touchscreen focusing, and faster responsiveness make it more nimble and discrete.

Winner: Sony a5100 for portability and speed.

Macro

In-body stabilization on Olympus helps handholding close-up shots, giving it an unexpected advantage despite lower sensor resolution. Sony’s lack of stabilization can be offset by stabilized lenses but at extra cost.

Winner: Slight Olympus edge for handheld macro shooters on a budget.

Night and Astro

Sony’s higher native ISO ceiling and better noise handling make it much more suited for night scenes and astrophotography. Olympus starts introducing noise and loses detail beyond ISO 800.

Winner: Sony a5100.

Video

Sony’s 1080p 60fps with modern codecs gives it a clear edge. Olympus’s 720p video feels dated and inflexible.

Winner: Sony a5100.

Travel Photography

Sony’s light weight, longer battery, and connectivity suite edge out here. Olympus’s stabilization is nice but undermined by other limitations.

Winner: Sony a5100.

Reliability and Professional Use

Neither model is built with professional weather sealing or robust build quality, so neither is ideal as a primary professional camera. However:

• Olympus’s longstanding Micro Four Thirds system offers professionals who rely on compact secondary setups a reliable, proven option - especially if image stabilization and legacy lenses are valued.

• Sony a5100, while entry-level, integrates well with modern post-processing workflows and UHS cards, plus better sensor tech making it a better backup or travel body.

Both support RAW for flexible editing, but Sony’s sensor and processor serve professionals with tighter quality demands better.

Price vs Performance: Which Camera Delivers Better Bang?

At launch, Olympus E-P2 retailed for around $799, while the a5100 debuted at about $448.

Since both are discontinued now, street prices hover much lower, though Sony is generally cheaper and more widely available second-hand.

For the money, the Sony a5100 represents significantly better value per feature and image quality, especially given its sensor, AF system, and video capabilities.

Summary Table: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re hunting for a compact, vintage-styled entry-level mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization to casually shoot landscapes and macro on a budget, the Olympus E-P2 holds nostalgic charm and decent image quality - but expect some frustrations with autofocus and video.

For nearly every other photographer - be it portrait, wildlife, street, sports, night, or video - the Sony a5100 delivers a better all-round experience thanks to its larger sensor, advanced autofocus, faster burst rate, superior screen, and richer creative ecosystem - all while being lighter and typically more affordable second-hand.

Trying to Decide? Here’s My Take:

• Beginners on a budget aiming to learn and grow: Sony a5100 is your best bet with user-friendly touch controls, sharper images, and Wi-Fi connectivity easing sharing.

• Travelers and street shooters needing light, discrete gear: Sony a5100’s compact size and swift autofocus win.

• Macro enthusiasts or Olympus fans addicted to classic styling: Olympus E-P2’s IBIS and lens options make sense if you can handle its quirks.

• Video content creators wanting solid HD footage: Sony a5100 hands down thanks to full 1080p 60fps and modern codecs.

• Sports and wildlife photographers on tight budgets: Sony a5100’s AF and burst rates match capabilities better for capturing decisive moments.

In Closing

Both the Olympus E-P2 and Sony a5100 have their places in the history of mirrorless cameras, representing milestones in sensor tech and usability. Yet, if you want a camera today that punches above its weight, the Sony a5100 offers a smarter investment with stronger performance, features, and future-proofing at an attractive price.

Whichever you choose, remember that mastering your craft, learning lighting and composition, and pairing your body with the right lenses will always yield images far more stunning than specs alone can promise.

Happy shooting!

I hope this deep dive helped you see beyond the spec sheet and pick your perfect companion for the creative journey ahead.