Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL3

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and both are offered by Olympus. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-M10 IV (20MP) and E-PL3 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

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The E-M10 IV was manufactured 9 years later than the E-PL3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-M10 IV scores vs the E-PL3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV & Olympus PEN E-PL3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M10 IV Gallery & Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M10 IV offers outer measurements of 122mm x 84mm x 49mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-M10 IV compared to the E-PL3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M10 IV and E-PL3 is 81 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The photograph here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M10 IV and E-PL3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus E-M10 IV to offer you extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern E-M10 IV should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.