Nikon P520 vs Olympus E-P3

Its time to take a closer look at the Nikon P520 versus Olympus E-P3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the P520 (18MP) and E-P3 (12MP) and the P520 (1/2.3") and E-P3 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The P520 was introduced 18 months after the E-P3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the P520 grades against the E-P3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P520 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon P520 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon P520 has got external measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P3 has sizing of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Examine the Nikon P520 versus Olympus E-P3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the P520 against the E-P3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the P520 and E-P3 is 66 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the P520 and E-P3.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The P520 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Nikon P520 will provide you with more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger P520 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.