Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-P3

Following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus E-P3, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is very close and they possess the same exact sensor sizing (Four Thirds).

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The E-420 was announced 4 years before the E-P3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-420 matches up vs the E-P3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-420 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-420 features external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Olympus E-P3 has sizing of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus E-P3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-420 versus the E-P3.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and E-P3 is 77 and 86 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and E-P3.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should expect to see the Olympus E-P3 to provide you with extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.