Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL3

Below is a detailed overview of the Canon M3 versus Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and E-PL3 (12MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizing.

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The M3 was introduced 3 years later than the E-PL3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the M3 grades against the E-PL3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS M3 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The whole galleries are available at Canon M3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should think about its weight and volume. The Canon M3 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") along with a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check out the Canon M3 versus Olympus E-PL3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the M3 compared to the E-PL3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M3 and E-PL3 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The visual here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the M3 and E-PL3.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M3 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Canon M3 will render extra detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern M3 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.