Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax 645Z

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax 645Z, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 4 years prior to the 645Z and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL2 matches up against the 645Z in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 has got external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-PL2 vs the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and 645Z is 85 and 49 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by viewing specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and 645Z.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will render greater detail having its extra 39MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.