Olympus E-3 vs Olympus E-PL5

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus E-PL5, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-3 was launched 5 years earlier than the E-PL5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-3 grades against the E-PL5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 features outside dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL5 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus E-PL5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-3 vs the E-PL5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-3 and E-PL5 is 56 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by researching specs. The picture underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and E-PL5.

All in all, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus E-PL5 to provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.