Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony A500

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony A500, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and A500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was released 3 years after the A500 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PM2 scores versus the A500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 has got exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony A500 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 versus Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PM2 against the A500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and A500 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing technical specs. The image underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and A500.

As you can tell, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-PM2 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PM2 will have an edge in sensor technology.