Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A65

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A65, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and A65 (24MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and A65 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-P2 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the A65 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A65 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the E-P2 grades against the A65 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Sony SLT-A65. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Sony A65 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-P2 provides outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Sony A65 has specifications of 132mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 622 grams (1.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P2 vs Sony A65 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-P2 versus the A65.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P2 and A65 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at specs. The graphic here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P2 and A65.

All in all, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A65 will give you greater detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-P2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.