Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A300

Below is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A300, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and A300 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was revealed 3 years later than the A300 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL2 scores versus the A300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Sony A300 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Sony A300 has specifications of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A300 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL2 against the A300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and A300 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through specs. The visual below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and A300.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus E-PL2 will give more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more modern E-PL2 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.