Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P3

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and both of them are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is pretty close and both cameras have the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was manufactured 24 months before the E-P3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P1 grades versus the E-P3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 has got outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus E-P3 has sizing of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus E-P3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-P1 against the E-P3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and E-P3 is 86 and 86 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions only by researching a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and E-P3.

Clearly, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same exact MP therefore you should expect comparable quality of files however you will need to consider the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.