Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A500

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony A500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and A500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was introduced 18 months later than the A500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL2 scores vs the A500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 provides exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony A500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL2 vs the A500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and A500 is 85 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The visual here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and A500.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL2 comes with the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field harder. The more recent E-PL2 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.