Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL8

Following is a in depth overview of the Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL8, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and E-PL8 (16MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and E-PL8 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The M3 was launched 19 months before the E-PL8 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the M3 matches up versus the E-PL8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS M3 and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon M3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon M3 comes with external 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) while the Olympus E-PL8 has dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Examine the Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the M3 against the E-PL8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M3 and E-PL8 is 85 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M3 and E-PL8.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The M3 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Canon M3 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged M3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.