Olympus E-PL2 vs Ricoh CX3

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL2 and Ricoh CX3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the CX3 (10MP) is very comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and CX3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was announced 8 months later than the CX3 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh CX3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PL2 scores against the CX3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Ricoh CX3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 features exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Ricoh CX3 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL2 and Ricoh CX3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL2 versus the CX3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and CX3 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through specifications. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and CX3.

To sum up, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL2 will show greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher E-PL2 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.