Canon 20D vs Olympus E-P3

Lets take a closer look at the Canon 20D versus Olympus E-P3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the 20D (8MP) and E-P3 (12MP) and the 20D (APS-C) and E-P3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 20D was launched 7 years prior to the E-P3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon 20D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief summation of how the 20D scores versus the E-P3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon EOS 20D and Olympus PEN E-P3. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon 20D Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon 20D features exterior measurements of 144mm x 106mm x 72mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.8") with a weight of 770 grams (1.70 lbs) and the Olympus E-P3 has sizing of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Check the Canon 20D versus Olympus E-P3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the 20D compared to the E-P3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the 20D and E-P3 is 59 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The photograph below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 20D and E-P3.

All in all, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 20D because of its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-P3 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older 20D is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.