Canon SX160 IS vs Olympus E-PL3

Below, we are looking at the Canon SX160 IS versus Olympus E-PL3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Olympus. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the SX160 IS (16MP) and E-PL3 (12MP) and the SX160 IS (1/2.3") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor measurements.

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The SX160 IS was introduced 22 months later than the E-PL3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX160 IS being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SX160 IS grades vs the E-PL3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX160 IS & Olympus PEN E-PL3. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX160 IS Gallery & Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX160 IS offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 73mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.9" x 1.7") along with a weight of 291 grams (0.64 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL3 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX160 IS versus Olympus E-PL3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX160 IS and the E-PL3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX160 IS and E-PL3 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX160 IS and E-PL3.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX160 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Canon SX160 IS will show more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The younger SX160 IS provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.