Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and SZ-16 iHS (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 23 months prior to the SZ-16 iHS which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PL2 matches up vs the SZ-16 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has physical measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-16 iHS has sizing of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 versus the SZ-16 iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and SZ-16 iHS is 85 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and SZ-16 iHS.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS will render greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.