Olympus E-30 vs Olympus E-PL3

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-30 vs Olympus E-PL3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Olympus. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-30 was brought out 3 years earlier than the E-PL3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-30 grades against the E-PL3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-30 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-30 has got outer dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Olympus E-30 vs Olympus E-PL3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-30 and the E-PL3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and E-PL3 is 60 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The graphic below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and E-PL3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the identical resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of pictures however you should really factor the release date of the products into consideration. The older E-30 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.