Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus 7040

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus 7040, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the 7040 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and 7040 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was introduced 14 months after the 7040 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL2 matches up versus the 7040 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Olympus Stylus 7040. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Olympus 7040 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has external 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) whilst the Olympus 7040 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus 7040 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL2 versus the 7040.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and 7040 is 85 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specifications. The picture underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and 7040.

Plainly, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus 7040 will give you more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL2 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.