Canon 40D vs Olympus E-PL3

In this write-up, we are matching up the Canon 40D versus Olympus E-PL3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 40D (10MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the 40D (APS-C) and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The 40D was revealed 4 years prior to the E-PL3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon 40D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the 40D grades against the E-PL3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS 40D and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 40D Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Canon 40D features outer dimensions of 146mm x 108mm x 74mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.9") along with a weight of 822 grams (1.81 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL3 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Canon 40D versus Olympus E-PL3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the 40D versus the E-PL3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 40D and E-PL3 is 57 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through specs. The graphic underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 40D and E-PL3.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 40D having a larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL3 will give more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older 40D is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.