Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony NEX-C3: A Comprehensive Comparison for Aspiring Photographers

In the ever-evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, the early 2010s saw a surge of compelling options targeting entry-level photographers eager to step beyond point-and-shoots without breaking the bank. Two such contenders, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 and the Sony Alpha NEX-C3, remain interesting even today for those diving into mirrorless systems or hunting bargain-quality used gear. I’ve spent considerable time with both cameras, putting them through their paces across various photography disciplines - and I’m here to share a sharp, no-nonsense comparison that goes beyond specs, revealing what truly distinguishes these two.

Let’s unpack their physicality, sensor technology, autofocus systems, image quality, user interface, and real-world shooting experiences -  all peppered with insights only hands-on testing can yield. Whether you’re a budding portrait artist, landscape adventurer, or casual street shooter, this deep-dive will help you discern which fits your creative aspirations best.

Subtle Shapes and Grips: Handling and Ergonomics Face Off

Starting at the tactile level, size and ergonomics define your hands-on comfort, especially during long-day shoots. The Olympus E-PL2 carries a compact, rather square-shaped body with dimensions of 114 x 72 x 42 mm, weighting around 362 grams. Its rangefinder-style silhouette borrows cues from Olympus’s classic PEN heritage - it feels solid but slightly chunky in the hand. Controls are straightforward, but the fixed 3” HyperCrystal LCD lacks touchscreen capability, limiting direct interaction. Grip-wise, the E-PL2 leans towards those who prefer a modest but firm hold; however, it may feel borderline for users with larger hands.

Comparatively, the Sony NEX-C3 is a featherweight champion at just 225 grams and smaller footprint (110 x 60 x 33 mm). Its slim profile and lighter weight make it an excellent travel companion or street photography tool for those valuing discretion and portability. The 3” TFT Xtra Fine LCD is tilting, enhancing compositional flexibility from awkward angles - a tactical advantage Olympus lacks here. However, Sony’s minimalistic grip can feel somewhat insubstantial for heavy telephoto lenses, particularly in fast-action shooting scenarios.

Both cameras feature rangefinder-style designs without built-in electronic viewfinders, relying instead on LCD live-view for composing. For photographers accustomed to viewfinder shooting, this might initially feel like a handicap - but the E-PL2 offers an optional VF-2 electronic viewfinder, an accessory unavailable for the NEX-C3. This might sway ergonomics-based decisions if you prioritize eye-level framing.

Button layout and dials reveal Olympus's slightly more classic DSLR-inspired control scheme, including dedicated exposure compensation dial and flash control buttons. Sony’s controls adopt a sleeker, cleaner top plate but require menu digging to access some settings, which can slow workflow when shooting in dynamic conditions.

Overall, if you need a grippier body with tactile buttons for manual shooting and optional viewfinder use, Olympus E-PL2 edges ahead. For those favoring lightweight, nimble handling and articulating screen versatility, Sony NEX-C3 makes a strong case.

Under the Hood: Sensor Sizes and Image Quality Insights

What’s under that hood defines the camera’s visual potential. Both cameras utilize CMOS sensors, but with significant differences in size and resolution.

The Olympus E-PL2 employs a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with 12 megapixels. Notably, this sensor has a 2.1x crop factor, which influences focal length equivalence and depth-of-field characteristics. While the Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C, it benefits from a mature Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem. However, the smaller sensor area can impose limitations on dynamic range and high ISO performance, aspects critical for challenging light scenarios.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-C3 boasts a larger APS-C sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm with 16 megapixels. The 1.5x crop factor preserves a shallower depth of field and generally superior low-light capability. Sony’s sensor technology, combined with the Bionz processor, yields a wider dynamic range (12.2 EV vs. Olympus’s 10.2 EV) and better color depth (22.7-bit vs. 21.4-bit). In practical terms, images from the NEX-C3 show cleaner shadow recovery, richer colors, and less noise beyond ISO 800.

Resolution benefits also subtly favor Sony with native 4912 x 3264 pixel files, enabling larger prints and more cropping room than Olympus’s 4032 x 3024. For landscape photographers demanding pixel-peeping detail or portrait shooters seeking smooth tonal gradation, this matters.

One caveat - Olympus’s sensor uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, while Sony defaults to 3:2 and 16:9, closer in spirit to traditional DSLRs and better suited to cinematic compositions.

Composing and Reviewing Images: Screen Quality and Viewfinders

Both cameras rely heavily on LCD screens for framing and post-shoot image review.

The Olympus E-PL2’s fixed 3” HyperCrystal LCD sports a resolution of 460k dots. While the screen is bright and sports anti-reflective coating, its lower resolution feels coarse relative to modern standards and the Sony’s display. Moreover, lack of tilt or articulation limits compositional flexibility in low or high-angle shooting.

Sony’s tilting 3” TFT Xtra Fine LCD provides a sharper 920k-dot resolution and brighter output. The tilting functionality proves beneficial in macro or street photography when shooting from waist-level or overhead. Sony’s interface is more modern and customizable, making menu navigation smoother for quick setting changes. However, neither camera offers touch sensitivity, putting emphasis on physical controls and dials.

Neither includes built-in electronic viewfinders, which some photographers miss, but Olympus’ optional VF-2 EVF adds a level of versatility absent on the NEX-C3. That said, the Sony’s slim profile appeals to photographers comfortable composing via LCD alone - perfect for candid or travel shooting styles.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy and Tracking

Autofocus remains one of the defining attributes of everyday usability. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems, common in entry-level mirrorless bodies of their era - but their implementation differs.

The Olympus E-PL2 features 11 contrast-detection AF points along with face detection and tracking capabilities that performed reliably in well-lit indoor shots and daylight. Continuous autofocus mode works, yet tracking moving subjects can often feel sluggish or prone to hunting under complex backgrounds.

Sony’s NEX-C3 ups the ante with 25 contrast-detection points, offering finer granularity for focus acquisition. However, it lacks face and eye detection, which limits precision in portraiture under some conditions. Its continuous AF speed surpasses Olympus, especially in decent lighting, adapting more responsively to rapid subject shifts - a plus for casual sports or wildlife shooters. However, like the E-PL2, in dim or low-contrast environments both cameras’ AF systems struggle with sluggishness and hunting.

Neither camera supports phase-detection AF, which wasn’t common at launch for entry-level mirrorless models.

Multifaceted Shooting Experience: Flash, Burst, and Stabilization

Let’s address some practical attributes that affect the shooting experience:

• Burst shooting: Sony’s NEX-C3 is the speed runner here, offering 6 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, compared to Olympus E-PL2’s more pedestrian 3 fps. For action or wildlife photography, this clearly favors Sony - though neither camera matches pro-grade sports cameras.

• Image stabilization: Olympus’s E-PL2 houses in-body sensor-shift stabilization, a significant advantage for handheld shooting in low light or macro photography. This feature enhances sharpness across various lenses, compensating for slight hand vibrations. The NEX-C3 omits in-body stabilization, relying instead on optically stabilized lenses, which may add cost and complexity.

• Flash: Olympus includes a built-in flash unit with multiple modes (auto, red-eye reduction, fill-in), offering quick fill dialogs for casual shooting. Sony forgoes an internal flash but supports external units via hot shoe; this may complicate impromptu flash use but delivers more creative lighting when planned.

Video Capabilities: Basic but Serviceable

Neither camera is championed for video, but both manage basic HD recording.

Olympus E-PL2 outputs 720p at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and eats storage quickly. Its video autofocus system lacks smooth continuous tracking, making it less suitable for dynamic handheld videography.

Sony NEX-C3 also records 720p HD at 30 fps but uses MPEG-4 compression, yielding slightly better file management. Despite having more AF points, its continuous focus during video is still contrast-detect based and prone to hunting.

Neither supports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control - a reasonable trade-off for this class. If video is a significant consideration, newer models are recommended.

Lens Ecosystems and Accessory Compatibility

Lens availability is critical for system growth. Both cameras use different mounts with differing ecosystems:

• Olympus E-PL2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, a mature system boasting over 100 native lenses, including compact primes, fast apertures, and specialty macro and telephoto options. The system's extensive third-party support and competitive pricing make it very attractive.

• Sony NEX-C3 mounts Sony E-mount lenses, which were relatively new at release but growing steadily; roughly 120 lenses are available today ranging from kit zooms to professional primes. The 1.5x crop means APS-C lenses maintain expected focal lengths.

Adapters exist for both mounts to use legacy lenses with manual focusing. Given the older release dates, choosing these cameras today means buying used bodies and carefully selecting lenses, but the Micro Four Thirds system rivals Sony’s ecosystem in flexibility and pricing.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery endurance is a practical concern for extended outings.

The Olympus E-PL2 is rated for approximately 280 shots per charge, which can be modest by modern standards. Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-C3 excels with a 400-shot rating, thanks in part to lighter weight and efficient processing. For travel and daytrips without charging access, Sony holds an advantage.

Storage-wise, both cameras support SD and SDHC cards, but the Sony additionally supports Memory Stick Pro Duo, offering flexible media options depending on user preference.

Diving into Genre-Specific Performance

Drawing from real-world testing across major photography types, here’s how these two distill in practice.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Sony NEX C3 front Sony NEX C3 screen back

Portrait Photography

Sony’s APS-C sensor yields smoother skin tone gradations with less high-ISO noise. However, Olympus’s in-body stabilization helps when shooting with slower lenses handheld. Olympus’s face detection aids focus lock on eyes, a helpful feature for newcomers. For creamy bokeh, Sony’s sensor size advantage grants shallower depth of field more readily with faster lenses.

Landscape Photography

Greater dynamic range and resolution favor the Sony here, capturing extended tonal detail in shadows and highlights. Olympus’s smaller sensor limits detail in shadows under challenging conditions. Weather sealing is absent in both, so protective measures are needed outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

Sony’s faster continuous shooting and superior autofocus point count give it the edge, though neither is ideal for intense sports or wildlife action. Olympus’s stabilization can aid handheld telephoto shots but is hampered by slower burst speed.

Street Photography

Sony’s lightweight body and tilting screen shine, enabling discreet shots and versatile angles. Olympus is bulkier and without articulating screen, reducing versatility. Lack of built-in EVF can challenge in bright daylight, making the optional Olympus VF-2 handy.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s sensor stabilization provides a clear advantage, assisting precision sharpness at close focus distances. Sony’s larger sensor aids background separation. Both cameras lack dedicated macro features but pair well with respective macro lenses.

Night and Astro

Sony’s superior high ISO performance and wider dynamic range grant it the upper hand for night sky or low-light urban scenes. Olympus’s sensor produces noisier files above ISO 800, limiting use without noise reduction software.

Video

Basic HD video on both is fine for casual use only. Neither offers advanced controls or stabilization, limiting creative video application.

Travel Photography

Sony’s lightweight, tilting screen, and battery life make it a natural travel partner. Olympus’s more substantial grip and stabilization benefit shooting stability but add bulk.

Professional Workflows

Both support RAW files for maximum editing latitude but lack advanced workflow features like tethering or dual card slots found in professional bodies. Olympus’s file sizes are smaller, easing storage but at a slight quality cost.

The Final Scorecard: Performance & Value Summary

To wrap up the technical comparison, here’s an overview of performance scores across key areas weighted by both user experience and laboratory tests.

And a split by genre-specific suitability:

Wrapping It Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony NEX-C3 both served entry-level mirrorless shooters well in their prime. Today, they present a distinct contrast in priorities:

• Choose the Olympus E-PL2 if you:

  • Value in-body image stabilization for handheld precision
  • Desire a slightly more robust grip and optional electronic viewfinder
  • Want strong macro and still-life shooting aids
  • Are invested in Micro Four Thirds lenses with broad variety and affordability

• Choose the Sony NEX-C3 if you:

  • Prioritize better image quality thanks to larger APS-C sensor
  • Value faster burst rates and more autofocus points for casual action shooting
  • Need longer battery life and a tilting screen for compositional flexibility
  • Prefer a lighter, more travel-friendly body

In practical terms, I have found the Sony NEX-C3’s sensor and ergonomics favor quality-focused shooters especially in outdoor, portrait, and travel photography, while the Olympus E-PL2’s stabilization and handling come into their own for more controlled indoor, macro, and low-light shooting.

Both cameras lack modern connectivity and advanced video features, reflecting their era - if these are priorities, consider later models in either lineup. Yet as affordable gateway cameras to mirrorless systems, they still retain utility for photographers on a budget or those gathering Micro Four Thirds or Sony E-mount glass.

Ultimately, this comparison underscores that no single camera is universally “best” - but with deliberate matching to your photographic style and priorities, both the Olympus E-PL2 and Sony NEX-C3 can yield rewarding image-making experiences.

Happy shooting!