Olympus E-300 vs Olympus E-PL3

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-300 and Olympus E-PL3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Olympus. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and E-PL3 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-300 was launched 7 years prior to the E-PL3 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-300 matches up vs the E-PL3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-300 has external measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") and a weight of 624 grams (1.38 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).

Check the Olympus E-300 and Olympus E-PL3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-300 vs the E-PL3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and E-PL3 is 67 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The visual below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-300 and E-PL3.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus E-PL3 to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older E-300 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.