Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-PL3

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-PL3, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the FE-3010 (12MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the FE-3010 (1/2.3") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FE-3010 was announced 3 years earlier than the E-PL3 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-3010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FE-3010 grades vs the E-PL3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-3010 & Olympus PEN E-PL3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-3010 Gallery & Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus FE-3010 comes with exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 108 grams (0.24 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has specifications of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-PL3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FE-3010 and the E-PL3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-3010 and E-PL3 is 97 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The graphic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-3010 and E-PL3.

All in all, each of these cameras provide the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The FE-3010 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The older FE-3010 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.