Olympus PEN vs Sony Nex 5 vs Panasonic Lumix G2

The Olympus PEN EPL1 is a strong bet in the external design, in the glamour, by magnetize the looks of the ones who have it when you approach the camera with the intent of taking a picture. It has a white model also. Everything about it is simple and the dynamic of the retractile len is a right combo. The artistic filters give a nice touch that certainly attracts the user.

60 years latter, Olympus resurrected the mystic PEN, now in digital format. It combines a solid construction with a optical careful design and a simple user friendly approach. Quality is what every "classic" photographer will fall in love for the retro design. You don´t need technical "know how" to get quality pictures because the interface is well design to facilitate new users.

Olympus took the retro design of the old PEN and fill it with the latest tech available.
Knowing Olympus for its quality and presence in the cameras market, no wonder this EPL 1 is ready to make some headaches to the most direct competitors.

When something works, don´t change it.

The Panasonic LUMIX G2 is more a micro-photographic system by been the first to incorporate a tactile screen. Its also from the 3 cameras that needs a little more time of adaptation to know all of the many functions. The screen doesn't purpose only a way of define variables in the menus, but also to indicate the point of focus be that in size or detail if we have a face in the picture.

Keeping the design of a optical, Panasonic got rid of the concept and kept the best.The electronic integrated screen, convert it in the more versatile of all in particular when used in the day light. The HD video is fluid and the focus is on of the more fastest and precise.
The negative point is that so many electronic consumes a lot of power, that might been needed an extra battery.

The Lumix G2 might not be a easy digital camera to handle. It is even worse for amateurs. But for someone who understands all the tech involved and can use a camera in a professional way, it is surely the one with the most technical features of all of 3.

This is a good professional camera.

The Sony NEX 5 is 100% Sony philosophy: get away from the rest. The Body is smaller, the sensor is the biggest as the lens. This is a camera that operates with a joystick and 2 buttons which has amazing performances like capturing RAW images but needs it's one software to handle them.

Sony came strong in the mirrorless segment. The NEX family is made by 2 models, the NEX 3 and NEX 5. This last one comes with a metallic body, the ability to save Full HD video and its the first one to be able to get panoramic photos in 3D. The sensor is the biggest of the 3 models and offers a superior dynamic and detail.

Sometimes Sony finds a way to amaze. The sturdy and original design of the Nex 5 can be called everything except "unoriginal".
The fact that Sony get so much into a camera that can go into your back pocket is by itself a victory of design and style. Not to mention the amount of options available to the user and the easy to use approach.

Quality and efficiency is assured. Sony once again proved that no one need too many technical skills or to use a very expensive camera to take quality photos.

Inspiration not included!

Brand

Olympus PEN EPL-1

Panasonic G2

Sony Nex 5

Sensor

NMOS

Live MOS

Exmor APS HD CMOS

Sensor Size

12x18mm - Micro 4/3

12x18mm - Micro 4/3

23.4x15.6 mm

Resolution

12.3 Mp: 4032x3024

12Mp 4000x3000

14.2 Mp; 4.592x3056

Density

5.1 Mp/cm2

5Mp/cm2

3.9 Mp/cm2

ISO

Auto-100/6400

Auto/Smart-100/6400

Auto-200/12800

Processor

True Pic

Venus Engine

Bionz

Screen

2.7" 230k

3" tactile; 460k folding

3" 920k

Dimensions/Weight

115x72x42mm/334 gr

124x84x74mm/428 gr

111x59x38mm/287 gr

Material

plastic and metal

plastic

Magnesium alloy

Any choice of the 3 is a good choice because the 3 cameras give excellent images in automatic mode and amazing ones if we have a good skill as a photographer.

The Olympus Pen EPL1 is a good valuable camera with the design of the old 35mm. With good functions and a easy interface. On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix G2 is the most expensive, but the many functions and options will for sure be enough to any professional.
The Sony Nex 5, bet on a more casual public, with a easy to use interface, 3D panoramic, huge lens and a small body, will make the general user feel comfortable enough to take quality shots.
Beyond that we should have into consideration other factors not much relevant like autonomy, easy to use and of course the price.

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