Canon G11 vs Olympus E-P3

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Canon G11 vs Olympus E-P3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the G11 (10MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the G11 (1/1.7") and E-P3 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The G11 was announced 20 months before the E-P3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon G11 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the G11 grades versus the E-P3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot G11 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon G11 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon G11 has got exterior measurements of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") and a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs) while the Olympus E-P3 has dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Look at the Canon G11 vs Olympus E-P3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the G11 against the E-P3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G11 and E-P3 is 83 and 86 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G11 and E-P3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G11 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus E-P3 will resolve more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older G11 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.