Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A37

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A37, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and A37 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and A37 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was announced 15 months earlier than the A37 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL2 matches up against the A37 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 offers outside measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Sony A37 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL2 vs Sony A37 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL2 vs the A37.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and A37 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and A37.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A37 will provide more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.