Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony NEX-7

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony NEX-7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-7 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was revealed 10 months earlier than the NEX-7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PL2 matches up against the NEX-7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with external measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-7 has proportions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony NEX-7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL2 versus the NEX-7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and NEX-7 is 85 and 84 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and NEX-7.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-7 will give extra detail because of its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.