Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax H90

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax H90, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the H90 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and H90 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was released 13 months after the H90 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL2 matches up against the H90 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Pentax Optio H90. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Pentax H90 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 provides outside dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Pentax H90 has proportions of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax H90 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the H90.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and H90 is 85 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes just by reading specs. The picture underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and H90.

All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact MP but different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 features the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL2 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.