Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony a5000

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony a5000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the a5000 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and a5000 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was revealed 7 months earlier than the a5000 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PM2 matches up against the a5000 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Sony Alpha a5000. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Sony a5000 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Sony a5000 has specifications of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 and Sony a5000 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM2 against the a5000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and a5000 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and a5000.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony a5000 will give more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PM2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.