Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SZ-15

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SZ-15, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Olympus. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and SZ-15 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-15 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The E-PL2 was unveiled 3 years prior to the SZ-15 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL2 grades versus the SZ-15 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus SZ-15. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-15 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 has outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-15 has measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus SZ-15 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 versus the SZ-15.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and SZ-15 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The graphic here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and SZ-15.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Olympus SZ-15 will resolve extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.