Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony WX500

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL2 versus Sony WX500, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and WX500 (18MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and WX500 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL2 was released 5 years prior to the WX500 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX500 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL2 grades vs the WX500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 offers outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Sony WX500 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Sony WX500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 and the WX500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and WX500 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and WX500.

As you can see, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony WX500 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.