Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony RX100 II

Choosing between cameras from different categories can be a fascinating exercise - not merely a specs comparison but a journey into how design philosophy shapes photographic potential. Today, I want to walk you through a detailed comparison of two clever compacts from the early 2010s: the Olympus PEN E-PL2, an entry-level mirrorless, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II, an advanced large-sensor compact. Both cameras reflect thoughtful design decisions for photographers seeking portability, image quality, and versatility, yet they occupy quite distinct niches.

Having spent thousands of hours testing and shooting with hundreds of cameras, I’ve laid hands on both models extensively. My goal here is to provide you with grounded, practical insights drawn from rigorous real-world experience and technical analysis - so you can determine which might best serve your photographic ambitions today.

Compact vs Mirrorless: Understanding the Form Factor and Its Impact on Photography

At first glance, comparing a mirrorless camera and a large-sensor compact might seem like apples and oranges. The Olympus E-PL2, introduced in early 2011, is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses based on the Micro Four Thirds system. Meanwhile, the Sony RX100 II, announced in mid-2013, is a fixed-lens large sensor compact, packing a powerful 1-inch type sensor into a pocketable body.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But How Much?

Physical size, grip comfort, and interface design dramatically affect how you use your camera in various settings. The Olympus E-PL2 measures approximately 114 x 72 x 42 mm and weighs around 362 grams. The Sony RX100 II is even more pocket-friendly at 102 x 58 x 38 mm and 281 grams. This physical difference might seem subtle, but it has meaningful implications for portability and shooting comfort.

The PEN E-PL2’s rangefinder styling and slightly heftier frame lend it better handling, especially when paired with MFT lenses that often have robust, tactile controls. Its chunkier grip benefits those with larger hands, providing a firmer hold for prolonged sessions, especially outdoors or when shooting telephoto lenses. The RX100 II’s slim profile is fantastic for street and travel photographers who prize inconspicuousness and ease of carry. However, the smaller body sacrifices some handling comfort and control layout efficiency.

Looking at the top controls:

Olympus places several direct-access buttons and dials on the E-PL2, enabling quick manual exposure adjustments and exposure compensation - features busy photographers appreciate habitually. The RX100 II, due to its compact design, condenses many functions into multifunction dials and menus, which means slightly more menu diving but not a dealbreaker for the experienced user.

Ergonomics win slightly for Olympus in terms of comfort and usability during serious shoots, but the Sony’s portability is unbeatable if packability is the overriding concern.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of a camera’s imaging prowess lies the sensor. The PEN E-PL2 sports a Four Thirds-size CMOS sensor of 17.3 x 13 mm covering 224.9 mm², while the RX100 II packs a larger 1-inch 13.2 x 8.8 mm CMOS sensor, roughly 116 mm². In terms of sensor area, the Olympus has a significant advantage, more than almost double the area of the Sony compact.

In general, a larger sensor area equates to better light-gathering capability and, typically, enhanced dynamic range and high ISO performance - key for situations like low-light and high-contrast scenes. However, sensor technology, processing algorithms, and lens quality are equally important.

• Resolution: The E-PL2 comes with 12MP, while the RX100 II has a 20MP sensor, offering higher native resolution and detail potential.
• Color depth and dynamic range: DXO Mark scores reveal the RX100 II achieving a slightly better color depth (22.5 vs 21.4 bits) and dynamic range (12.4 vs 10.2 EV) despite its smaller sensor. This is testament to Sony’s more advanced sensor and image processor combination.

While the Olympus sensor’s larger physical size benefits noise performance and depth of field control, Sony’s newer stacked CMOS design and processing elevate image quality in a compelling way.

Autofocus Systems and Performance in the Field: Locking Focus Where It Counts

Autofocus is no joke. For many photographers, speed and accuracy of autofocus can make or break a shoot, especially in action, wildlife, or street scenarios.

• Olympus E-PL2: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with 11 focus points and capable of face detection plus continuous AF modes. Its performance in bright light is reliable but slows down noticeably in low light or on moving subjects.
• Sony RX100 II: Also employs contrast AF with 25 focus points. Thanks to enhanced algorithms, its AF speeds and tracking quality are noticeably snappier than the E-PL2, allowing for smoother subject tracking. Face detection is present but sometimes less precise than more modern systems.

For fast action, sports, or wildlife, the RX100 II’s AF is better suited out-of-the-box, especially given its faster shutter speeds and 10fps burst capability compared to the PEN’s modest 3fps.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Shots

Both cameras feature 3-inch screens, but there are notable differences:

• E-PL2: A fixed HyperCrystal LCD with 460k dots resolution - adequate for composing and reviewing but feels dated in outdoor use due to limited brightness.
• RX100 II: A 3-inch tilting Xtra Fine WhiteMagic TFT LCD with 1229k dots resolution, significantly brighter and versatile for high-angle or low-angle shots. This is especially useful for street and travel photographers.

Neither camera has a built-in EVF, but optional add-ons exist for the Olympus, though this adds cost and bulk. Sony’s RX100 II lacks this option, reflecting its compact design priorities.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Changeable or Fixed?

One of the most defining features separating these two is lens flexibility.

• Olympus PEN E-PL2: Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-wide fisheye to long telephoto and fast primes. This flexibility opens doors for creative exploration - from macro to portraiture and landscapes.
• Sony RX100 II: Fixed 28-100mm equivalent F1.8-4.9 zoom. While versatile and fast at the wide end, it lacks the adaptability and optical quality breadth that dedicated lenses provide.

If you’re craving experimentation, especially across genres like macro, wildlife, or studio portraiture, Olympus offers a clear advantage with its ecosystem.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining the Shoot

Battery life can be a subtle but disruptive factor during extended sessions.

• E-PL2: Rated for about 280 shots on a fully charged BLS-5 battery.
• RX100 II: Rated for approximately 350 shots on the NP-BX1 battery.

While neither is stellar by today’s standards, RX100 II’s extra 20% endurance supports longer outings without changing batteries. Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC card slot, but the Sony additionally supports Memory Stick formats, providing extra media flexibility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera has official environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproof features. Both are best handled with care in challenging conditions. Olympus offers a solid, rangefinder-style chassis that feels durable; Sony’s RX100 II uses a compact metal body providing premium feel but again no weather resistance.

Performance Across Popular Photography Genres

Let’s analyze how these cameras behave across the photography disciplines that matter:

Portrait Photography

The E-PL2’s sensor size and MFT lenses enable attractive background separation and creamy bokeh, particularly with fast primes like the 45mm f/1.8. Face detection autofocus aids in locking onto eyes under good lighting but struggles under dim conditions.

The RX100 II’s 1” sensor and bright 28mm f/1.8 lens element offer excellent sharpness and pleasing skin tones. Its face autofocus is snappier, and the tilting screen helps creative framing for portraits. However, fixed lens limitations slightly restrict background blur control at telephoto end (f/4.9).

Landscape Photography

Resolving fine details and capturing wide dynamic range are paramount here.

The Olympus platform, with high-quality ultra-wide MFT lenses and 12MP resolution, delivers sharp images with good dynamic range, though behind Sony’s admittedly. However, the PEN E-PL2’s lower native ISO and slower flash sync limit creative lighting options outdoors.

Sony’s RX100 II captures images with excellent dynamic range and vibrant colors, aided by advanced sensor processing. Its compact form is ideal for travel landscapes, but the focal range tops out at 28mm equivalent wide - less expansive than dedicated ultra-wide MFT lenses.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The PEN E-PL2’s slower 3fps burst and contrast-detect AF limit action coverage. In contrast, RX100 II’s 10fps burst and faster AF facilitate tracking fast-moving subjects better - even if its fixed lens zoom maxes out at 100mm equivalent, less reach than many telephoto MFT lenses.

Street Photography

For stealth and quick reaction, Sony RX100 II shines. Its pocketability, silent operation, fast AF, and bright lens give it an edge. Olympus, bulkier and more conspicuous, requires more invested setup and presence, which can influence candid moments.

Macro Photography

Olympus’ ecosystem includes numerous dedicated macro lenses with superb magnification and focusing precision. Sensor-based stabilization also aids sharp handheld macro shots.

Sony’s RX100 II, with 5cm minimum focus, offers decent close-ups but cannot match dedicated macro optics’ detail and control.

Night and Astrophotography

Sensor noise performance favors Olympus’ larger sensor area but is balanced by Sony’s more advanced sensor tech and higher max ISO (up to 12800 discrete, 25600 extended). Both lack specialized astro features but will manage decent nightscape captures with steady mounting.

Video Capabilities

The E-PL2 records 720p HD video at 30fps with motion JPEG compression - not impressive by 2013 or later standards, lacking microphone input or advanced stabilization.

The RX100 II delivers full 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format, much more modern and flexible for video creators. Optical stabilization smooths handheld footage well; unfortunately, there’s no mic port.

Travel Photography

Sony RX100 II’s compactness, battery life, and versatile zoom make it an excellent all-in-one travel companion. Olympus demands extra lenses, batteries, and sometimes a bulkier camera bag but rewards with creative versatility.

Professional Use

Neither is a professional workhorse by today’s criteria. The E-PL2 offers raw support and slow USB 2.0 tethering but lacks ruggedness. The RX100 II is better for quick visual documentation but not designed for demanding pro shooting.

Overall Impression and Value: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Reviewing samples from both cameras under identical conditions reveals the Sony RX100 II’s ability to deliver sharper, finer detail with more dynamic range, especially in daylight and shadow. Olympus images showcase warmer color tones and slightly less noise at moderate ISOs due to the larger sensor area.

The RX100 II outperforms the E-PL2 in most measurable technical metrics - higher DxO scores, faster shooting speeds, better video specs - reflecting newer technology and sensor advances.

It scores best in street, travel, and video applications, while Olympus shows modest advantages in portraiture and macro due to its lens system and sensor size.

In Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL2 if:

  • You want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and access to a mature, affordable Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.
  • Portraits, close-up, and landscape photography with creative control are your top priorities.
  • You prefer a more tactile, ergonomic camera body with physical controls.
  • You don’t mind carrying extra lenses and batteries for shooting versatility.

• Choose the Sony RX100 II if:

  • You want a pocketable camera that delivers excellent image quality for a compact.
  • Street, travel, and casual video shooting with minimal fuss are your primary use cases.
  • You value fast autofocus and high burst shooting for action and everyday spontaneity.
  • You prefer an all-in-one camera that’s ready to shoot any time without lens changes.

Both cameras represented significant steps in their lineage and remain capable options depending on your photographic style and priorities. While the RX100 II embodies technology advances with a focus on portability and speed, the E-PL2 is a gateway into mirrorless versatility and deeper photographic exploration.

Hopefully, this thorough breakdown helps demystify their distinct strengths and weaknesses so you can find the right tool for your creative journey.

Happy shooting!