Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax E90

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax E90, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the E90 (10MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and E90 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 13 months later than the E90 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL2 scores against the E90 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Pentax Optio E90. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Pentax E90 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys physical dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Pentax E90 has measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax E90 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 versus the E90.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and E90 is 85 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and E90.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL2 will offer you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.