Olympus E-P5 vs Olympus E-PL2

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and they are both produced by Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-P5 (16MP) and E-PL2 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

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The E-P5 was launched 2 years later than the E-PL2 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-P5 matches up against the E-PL2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P5 comes with physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL2 has measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P5 and Olympus E-PL2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-P5 and the E-PL2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and E-PL2 is 85 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements merely by going through specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and E-PL2.

To sum up, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus E-P5 to provide greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher E-P5 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.