Olympus E-PL7 vs Ricoh CX2

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-PL7 vs Ricoh CX2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL7 (16MP) and CX2 (9MP) and the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and CX2 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL7 was released 5 years later than the CX2 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Ricoh CX2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL7 matches up vs the CX2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL7 & Ricoh CX2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery & Ricoh CX2 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL7 has got exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX2 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL7 vs Ricoh CX2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL7 and the CX2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL7 and CX2 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by researching specs. The graphic here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL7 and CX2.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL7 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL7 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more recent E-PL7 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.