Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL1s

Let's look closer at the Canon M3 and Olympus E-PL1s, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and E-PL1s (12MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The M3 was announced 4 years later than the E-PL1s and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the M3 grades vs the E-PL1s for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS M3 and Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon M3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Canon M3 provides outside dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") and a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1s has sizing of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Analyze the Canon M3 and Olympus E-PL1s in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the M3 versus the E-PL1s.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the M3 and E-PL1s is 85 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M3 and E-PL1s.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The M3 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Canon M3 will provide greater detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer M3 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.