Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-C3

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony NEX-C3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-C3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM2 was launched 22 months after the NEX-C3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-PM2 grades versus the NEX-C3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has specifications of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony NEX-C3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 and the NEX-C3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and NEX-C3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at technical specs. The pic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and NEX-C3.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PM2 has the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder. The fresher E-PM2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.