Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony a5100

The following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was announced 4 years before the a5100 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL2 matches up vs the a5100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has got exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has sizing of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 versus the a5100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and a5100 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specifications. The image underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and a5100.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL2 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony a5100 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 will be behind in sensor technology.